Machinery, materials, industrial development and supply chains
China's total trade with 23 Middle East and North Africa countries fell 12% to $329.3 billion during the first nine months of 2026, driven by a 38.6% drop in crude oil imports. Despite overall declines, the UAE remained China's top global destination for electrified vehicles at $3.9 billion and imported nearly half of China's $11.7 billion in phone shipments to the region.
Chinese customs data for the first nine months of 2026 shows China's trade with 23 MENA nations fell 12% to $329.3 billion, largely driven by a 38.6% drop in crude oil imports. Despite overall regional import contractions, the UAE remained the leading global destination for Chinese electrified vehicles at $3.9 billion and purchased nearly half of all Chinese phone shipments to the region.
Global SWF data reveals sovereign wealth funds invested $14.2 billion into China and Hong Kong in early 2026, led by UAE entities. Separately, the UAE Cabinet issued Decision No. 149 of 2026 revising VAT input tax apportionment rules.
A commodities report showed Chinese smelters raised output and export volumes to balance supply shortfalls in the Persian Gulf. Regional logistical disruptions and energy constraints have sidelined hundreds of thousands of tons of Gulf smelting capacity. Gulf-based producers account for roughly one-tenth of global aluminum manufacturing output.
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