Middle East remains trade hotspot
The Middle East export markets of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have topped a survey of countries with the best trading opportunities. According to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest export 'barometer', the Middle East remains a “strong source of trade for local exporters”.
The barometer for March found that more than £28.2m worth of goods and eservices were exported by businesses across the two counties during March.
Of that sum, £7.7m went to Saudi Arabia and £4.5m to the UAE.
North West Derbyshire companies exported mainly to Saudi Arabia whilst West Nottinghamshire accounts mostly for exports to the Ukraine and Egypt.
Exports to China once again remain weak, said the chamber, despite its position as the second-fastest growing economy in the world.
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber's chief executive George Cowcher said: “Despite further conflict across parts of the Middle East, the Arab states continue to provide plenty of opportunities to export for local firms.
“March’s Export Barometer provides further evidence that the economy here in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is progressing nicely along the road to recovery.”
