Officials from the UAE have indicated that it is premature to assess the ramifications of the ongoing global tariff conflict, stating they are closely monitoring developments. They remain optimistic and confident in managing the repercussions of this new crisis.
They noted potential shifts in trade flows and emphasized the necessity of establishing a system to support the cargo and aviation sectors in tackling such challenges.
Badr Abbas, the senior vice president of Emirates SkyCargo, remarked that the industry has “experienced considerable disruptions,” making resilience and adaptability paramount concerns in recent years.
“This situation persists as we confront various global trade challenges, including tariffs. While we refrain from speculating on their effects on international trade for now, our industry’s collective focus should be on creating systems capable of enduring future shocks, whether they are geopolitical, economic, or environmental,” Abbas stated during a presentation at the World Cargo Symposium, a three-day event that commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday.
The United States has implemented substantial tariffs on numerous countries, particularly targeting China. This has led several nations to reciprocate by raising tariffs on US goods, creating widespread market concerns. The tariff conflict has resulted in a stock market sell-off and driven gold prices to unprecedented heights due to fears regarding its effects on the global economy and recession apprehensions.
“It is still early to speculate on the consequences of the tariff conflict. We maintain agility and resilience. We see disruptions as opportunities for innovation and remain assured of long-term growth. Demand for our offerings continues to be strong. We will keep observing the situation and adjust our strategies as necessary. The US market remains a vital one for us, and we are currently operating at full capacity,” Abbas indicated in a press conference.
“Dubai provides unmatched access to vibrant economies. Our city’s location allows air transport operators like us to reach two-thirds of the global population within an eight-hour flight. The forward-thinking aviation policies in Dubai facilitate the operation of over 100 airlines, creating a comprehensive network for the movement of goods and people through this international trading center,” he affirmed.
As part of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), the city aims to establish itself as one of the top five multimodal global logistics hubs, excelling in connectivity, services, and operations. “Dubai is where the future unfolds. For Emirates SkyCargo, this presents a significant opportunity. We believe the upcoming decade will be transformative for our sector,” Abbas added.
UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, stated that the industry is at a pivotal point. “On one hand, we are witnessing rapid sector expansion driven by a surge in e-commerce, increased demand for just-in-time logistics, and new market opportunities. Conversely, we are confronted with global challenges, geopolitical instability, and stricter regulations, along with the recent escalation of the tariff conflict. The statistics reflect both prospects and responsibilities,” Al Marri mentioned during the opening speech of the Symposium.
Shifts in Trade Flows
Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO of airport operations at dnata, remarked that the ground handling company has not experienced significant changes due to the global tariff conflict. “We adapt ourselves to market fluctuations. With a presence in 99 airports globally, we will observe trade flow adjustments and adapt accordingly,” he noted.
On Tuesday, dnata announced it achieved a notable milestone by handling over 1 million tonnes of cargo in Dubai between April 2024 and March 2025, marking the highest volume processed by the company in a 12-month period.
This record represents a 30 percent year-on-year increase, fueled by robust demand for dnata’s reliable, high-quality services. Based at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC) airports, dnata currently serves more than 120 airline clients, managing a diverse array of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials, live animals, aircraft engines, and vehicles.
Willie Walsh, Director-General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), expressed that it is “far too soon to make predictions” regarding the impact of tariffs as the administration of US President Donald Trump reevaluates its trade strategies to address the identified trade deficit.
“I remain confident that our industry will navigate through this crisis,” he stated during a media briefing on Tuesday.