Apple exports
banned in the UAE

Other products must hold a health certificate

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned the import of local apples. The decision takes effect May 15. The reason behind the ban is not yet clear. The reason for the ban is not yet clear. Other kinds of vegetables and fruits being exported to the UAE should be certified that they are free from chemical residues.

According to Customs, the country exported 1,450 tons of apples last year, of up to $350,000.

Naim Khalil, Chairman of the Syndicate of Importers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables, said: “The amount of apples exported to the UAE is small. For this reason the decision will not impact us negatively.”

Khalil said that the Syndicate, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, will negotiate with the UAE Embassy to solve this problem for the coming apple harvest.

“As we do not know the reasons behind this decision yet, we are afraid it will be taken on other kinds of agricultural exports,” he said.

According to Customs, total agricultural exports to the UAE reached 60,000 tons last year, to the tune of $19 million. Vegetable exports reached $14 million last year. This includes potatoes ($9 million), and lettuce and chicory ($3.3 million). Fruit exports reached $5 million. This includes mainly citrus fruits ($1.5 million), grapes ($650,000), apples, pears and quinces ($500,000), and apricots, cherries, and peaches ($1.4 million).

The UAE has also banned agricultural products from Jordan, Egypt, Yemen, and Oman.