Abu Dhabi:The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has officially come into effect, creating a preferential trade framework with Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Russian Federation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement aims to accelerate merchandise trade by reducing or eliminating customs duties on a wide range of products, simplifying trade procedures, and addressing unnecessary barriers. It also introduces modern rules for customs cooperation, e-commerce, economic cooperation, and small and medium-sized enterprises' involvement in international trade.
Under this new trade regime, the UAE and EAEU countries will provide preferential access on more than 86 percent of tariff lines, covering about 96 percent of the value of goods currently traded between the two regions. This move is anticipated to boost annual trade between the markets to nearly $50 billion by 2032.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, noted that the agreement transforms commercial momentum into a practical platform for exporters, manufacturers, and supply-chain partners. By improving market access and simplifying customs procedures, the agreement aims to enable businesses to move goods more efficiently and compete across the Eurasian markets.
The agreement highlights the UAE's commitment to open, rules-based trade and aims to build durable economic bridges with high-potential markets. It is expected to strengthen supply-chain resilience, support food security, and create new opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, automotive products, technology, and precious metals.
Trade between the UAE and EAEU has been expanding, with non-oil trade reaching $33.6 billion in 2025, a 16 percent increase from 2024. Imports from the EAEU totaled $17.8 billion, while re-exports were $13.7 billion. In the first half of 2026, bilateral non-oil trade grew by 6.2 percent year-on-year to $14.3 billion.
The agreement, signed in Minsk on June 27, 2025, provides UAE merchandise exporters with preferential access to the EAEU customs market while offering EAEU producers efficient entry to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia through the UAE's trade and logistics networks.
The CEPA programme is a vital part of the UAE's foreign trade agenda, supporting the national goal of increasing non-oil foreign trade to AED4 trillion ($1.1 trillion) by 2031. Since its inception in September 2021, the programme has expanded the UAE's trade partnerships worldwide, emphasizing the country's dedication to trade as a key driver of economic growth and diversification.