Chinese trade with 23 Middle East and North Africa countries declined 12 percent year-on-year to $329.3 billion during the first nine months of 2026. The contraction was driven by a 38.6 percent drop in crude oil imports, while automotive exports and UAE transit volumes showed resilience.
Chinese customs data shows trade with 23 Middle East and North Africa countries reached $329.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026. Crude oil imports from the region fell 38.6% year-on-year amid shipping frictions, while passenger vehicle exports totaled $15.9 billion.
Chinese direct investment across the MENA region doubled to $4.8 billion in 2025, driven largely by capital inflows into the UAE. Net direct investment in the UAE grew 237.7% to $2.6 billion, raising China's total investment stock in the country to $12.47 billion. The UAE now holds more than 40% of China's investment stock in the MENA region and receives over 50% of its new capital flows.
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