Benin and the United Arab Emirates concluded a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in Abu Dhabi that would cut or remove customs duties on a wide range of goods once both countries ratify it, Bénin Web TV reported on October 25. Non-oil trade between the two countries rose 65% to $2.15bn in 2025, the outlet said. In the first half of 2026 it reached $1.29bn, up 37.4% from a year earlier.
Analysis: Non-oil trade between Benin and the UAE has more than doubled since 2021, when it stood at $1.01bn. Trade in the first half of 2026 alone equaled about 60% of the 2025 total, by our calculation. The agreement could reduce duties and improve market access for exporters, importers and service providers. However, the tariff changes are not yet in force, and officials have not published the product categories or rates covered. Neither government has provided a ratification date, leaving the timing and commercial effects uncertain.
Source: Bénin Web TV, Bénin Web TV, "Bénin : un accord économique conclu avec les Émirats arabes unis" (October 25, 2026), 2025 and 2021 and H1 2026