Dubai’s trade for hardware and tools valued at AED5.74 billion in 2015 – Dubai Customs

Dubai’s trade for hardware and tools was valued at AED5.74 billion in 2015 according to figures released today by Dubai Customs, as the Middle East’s dedicated exhibition for hardware, tools, and machinery gets underway.

According to Dubai Customs, the Emirate imported AED3.87 billion worth of hardware and tools last year, while exports and re-exports into neighbouring countries were valued at AED1.6 billion.  

With AED878 million worth of trade, the USA was Dubai’s top hardware and tools trading partner in 2015, followed by China (AED746 million), Italy (AED482 million), Germany (AED346 million), and Saudi Arabia (AED248 million).

Rock drilling or earth boring interchangeable hand tools for the construction sector was the biggest contributor, valued at AED1.05 billion, a 20 per cent share of the total value.  

Other high-trading categories included mountings, fittings and similar articles suitable for buildings (AED397 million), automatic door closers (AED315 million), and non-household hand tools (AED261 million).

The latest figures come as thousands of regional industrial infrastructure and construction sector professionals descend upon Hardware+Tools Middle East 2016, which opened today and runs until 25th May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The 17th edition of the three-day event features 184 exhibitors from 11 countries representing over 250 brands, and was opened by Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority. 

“Spurred on by the continuing commercial and industrial infrastructure, as well growing transport and logistics links, demand for hardware, tools and machinery in the Middle East remains strong,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Hardware+Tools Middle East. 

“Hardware+Tools Middle East continues to play a unique interactive and formative role in this fast-growing market, as the Middle East features alongside the powerhouses China, India and ASEAN countries as a major point of interest for international machinery and tool manufacturers.”

The first day saw a series of regional product launches and regional debuts being made by leading international manufacturers. The action at the Expert Zone was also picking up during the early hours of the exhibition.

Introducing innovative nippers designed for the construction industry, was Channellock from the USA, renowned manufacturers of top grade pliers. International Sales Manager, Mogens Lorenzen said: “We consider our tools to be unique in terms of quality and endurance. The growing Middle East and North Africa market is extremely important to us, especially since our tools enjoy a deserved reputed in the oil and gas industry.”

Hoping to make headway into the region was Dukshin Corporation from Korea, which introduced a range of pumps designed to safely pump out water even from flooded areas more efficiently than auto-stop pumps. According to Steve Parks, President, the company was on the lookout for regional partners.

With a range of anti-torsion, double-layered polyester hoses designed for a wide range of uses including: construction, gardening and agriculture, as well as to carry compressed air for gas and welding use, was Technotubi Picena srl from Italy, who are also on the lookout for regional partners.

Debutants Ajustco’s selection of commercial door locks, heavy duty locks, kitchen cabinet locks, window locks, gate locks and latches, suited for home hardware projects and the world's first adjustable catch bolt lock gained plenty of visitor interest at the Expert Zone. 

Manuel Pawlak of German tool giants Knipex said: “We are showcasing a selection of our pliers range including end cutters, diagonal cutters, combination pliers, waterpump pliers, cable cutting, stripping and crimping pliers and much more. We are also offering a broad program of high-voltage insulated tools as well as our innovative range of Cobra Waterpump pliers, pliers wrench, electrical installation pliers, high performance diagonal cutters and compact bolt cutters.”