The UAE-EAEU deal is creating new opportunities for Emirati manufacturers across Eurasian markets. The agreement reduces tariffs on a wide range of traded products. Consequently, UAE companies could gain easier access to Russia and four other member states. However, the changes will also increase competition for some Eurasian businesses.
The agreement covers Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. It aims to strengthen trade between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union. Furthermore, tariffs will fall or disappear across 85 percent of tariff lines. These products represent about 95 percent of trade value between both sides.
The UAE already maintains relatively low import tariffs on most goods. Many products enter the country with duties of zero or five percent. Meanwhile, some EAEU tariffs can reach significantly higher levels. Therefore, Emirati exporters could gain a larger advantage in several product categories.
Trade between both sides had already expanded before the agreement began. UAE non-oil trade with the EAEU exceeded $33.3 billion in 2025. That figure increased 15 percent from the previous year. Moreover, the new agreement could support another increase in bilateral trade.
Manufacturers could benefit by producing more goods inside the UAE. Companies can process or assemble products locally before exporting them. This strategy could help businesses meet UAE-origin requirements under the agreement. As a result, the country could attract more production and export activity.
Coffee producer Maatouk 1960 Factory plans to enter EAEU markets next year. The Abu Dhabi company sources coffee beans from several regions worldwide. It then processes those beans into products manufactured in the UAE. The company expects to begin shipments during the first quarter of 2027.
The company sees strong potential in Russia and nearby markets. It expects demand for new brands and alternative import channels to support expansion. Furthermore, stronger commercial ties could improve confidence among UAE manufacturers. However, companies still need reliable distribution and logistics networks.
At the same time, some EAEU businesses face stronger competition from UAE products. Russian jewellery companies could experience pressure after tariff reductions. Duties on qualifying UAE-origin gold and silver jewellery will reach zero. Therefore, manufacturers may need to adjust their pricing and business strategies.
Authorities will also focus closely on product origin requirements. Companies must prove that their goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment. Customs officials can review eligibility after products enter the market. If goods fail the rules, authorities could recover unpaid duties.
The UAE sees trade agreements as part of its wider manufacturing strategy. Lower tariffs can give locally produced goods greater access to international markets. Meanwhile, manufacturers can use the country’s logistics infrastructure to support exports. Consequently, more companies could consider expanding production within the Emirates.
However, businesses must look beyond tariff savings before entering new markets. Product approvals, certification, transportation, and distribution remain important considerations. Companies must also understand local demand and regulatory requirements. Therefore, successful expansion will depend on broader commercial planning.
The UAE-EAEU deal could gradually reshape regional supply chains and manufacturing decisions. Some companies may shift processing or assembly activities toward the UAE. Others could introduce new products across Eurasian markets. Overall, the UAE-EAEU deal gives manufacturers another route toward international expansion.
