India-UAE trade hit $100 billion in FY25. Iron and steel are among the fastest-growing categories. Under CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), the UAE eliminated tariffs on 97% of tariff lines, covering 99% of India's exports by value.
What's growing: Iron, steel, aluminium, telecom instruments, electrical machinery, gems, ready-made garments.
Why This Matters
Zero duties on most products. If you manufacture steel products, auto components, or industrial machinery, your UAE tariff is likely 0% under CEPA.
UAE is a re-export hub. Export to Dubai, and your products reach the Middle East, Africa, and Europe through their network.
India-UAE targeting $200 billion by 2032. The government is pushing hard. High-level meetings are happening between Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and the UAE Economy Minister, focusing specifically on aluminium and steel cooperation.
The Problem
Most manufacturers don't know CEPA exists or how to use it. That's why larger exporters are capturing this market while smaller units pay full duties.
P.S. If you export steel, aluminium, or metal components, check if your product qualifies. Zero-duty UAE access is already live; you just need the Certificate of Origin.
How to Qualify
Certificate of Origin (CoO) - required for every shipment to claim zero-duty benefit.
Rules of Origin compliance - the product must be substantially made in India.
Apply through the DGFT portal - the process is digital, but most MSMEs don't know it exists.
240,000 CoOs issued since 2022. Exports under CEPA are worth $19.87 billion so far.