The UAE stands as a global powerhouse in petrochemical trade, serving as a critical hub between East and West markets. With world-class facilities like Ruwais Industrial Complex and Jebel Ali Port, the country facilitates trade in hundreds of petrochemical products. Here’s everything you need to know about importing and exporting petrochemicals in the UAE.
Major Petrochemical Categories Traded in UAE
- Basic Building Blocks
- Ethylene (5.3 million tons annual capacity)
- Propylene (4.1 million tons)
- Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX) products
- Butadiene (key for synthetic rubber)
- Plastics & Polymers
- Polyethylene (Borouge produces 4.5 million tons/year)
- Polypropylene (ADNOC’s TA’ZIZ project expanding capacity)
- PVC and specialty polymers
- Fertilizer Components
- Urea (3.5 million tons exported annually)
- Ammonia (Fertil plant in Ruwais)
- Sulfur (byproduct from gas processing)
- Fuel Additives & Refined Products
- MTBE production (for cleaner gasoline)
- Naphtha (feedstock for crackers)
- Lubricant base oils
Key Trade Statistics
| Category | Annual Export Volume | Major Destinations |
| Polymers | 8.2 million tons | China, India, Turkey |
| Fertilizers | 5 million tons | Africa, South Asia |
| Aromatics | 3.8 million tons | Europe, Southeast Asia |
op UAE Petrochemical Exporters
- Borouge (ADNOC-Borealis JV)
- Emirates Polymers
- ChemaWEyaat
- Fertil (Ruwais)
- TA’ZIZ (New projects)
Import/Export Process Overview
- Product Classification (HS Codes required)
- Customs Clearance
- Special requirements for hazardous materials
- ADNOC approval for certain products
- Logistics Handling
- Jebel Ali Port handles 65% of petrochemical exports
- Ruwais has dedicated export terminals
Did You Know? The UAE petrochemical sector contributes 12% to non-oil GDP and is projected to grow 6% annually through 2030.
How Ez Bizz Corporate Services LLC Can Help
- HS Code classification assistance
- Customs clearance documentation
- ADNOC/NOC approvals
- Logistics coordination
- Market analysis for new products
📞 Call our trade experts: +971 52 610 6577
📧 Email: info@ezbizzsetup.com
With its strategic location and world-class infrastructure, the UAE offers unparalleled opportunities in petrochemical trading. Whether you’re looking to source specialty chemicals or export UAE-made products, proper guidance ensures smooth operations in this complex sector.