The official data revealed a 2.5% rise in Kuwaiti-origin exports in 2024, totaling around KWD 282 million, compared to KWD 275 million in 2023.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remained the primary destination, receiving 63% of these exports. Shipments to GCC nations grew by 4.1% to approximately KWD 178 million in 2024, up from KWD 171 million the previous year.
This growth in Kuwaiti exports underscores the rising appeal of national products in the Gulf region, where they are widely trusted by consumers. The surge in demand has also prompted many business owners and manufacturers to expand their footprint by setting up branches in neighboring countries, ensuring a stronger market presence and meeting the growing needs of Gulf consumers.
Export Distribution
Kuwait’s national exports span a diverse range of products, including food and beverages, textiles, clothing, chemicals, and leather goods. The country also exports manufacturing products, furniture, electrical equipment, fabricated metal items, natural pearls, gemstones, and precious metals. Additionally, dairy products, aromatic oils, glass, and aluminum contribute to Kuwait’s growing export portfolio.
Analyzing Kuwait’s total exports, which reached approximately KWD 275 million by the end of 2024, reveals that the majority were directed to GCC countries. Arab countries accounted for KWD 92 million of these exports, while shipments to European markets totaled around KWD 9.1 million over the past year.
An official survey conducted among various companies and factories revealed their ambitions to implement several initiatives aimed at boosting industrial production in Kuwait and enhancing the global competitiveness of national industries. The key measures they highlighted include:
- Providing industrial plots for investors and addressing land shortages for storing raw materials and finished products are among the top priorities. Companies and factories emphasized the need for ready-to-use storage spaces at reduced costs and the establishment of storage areas in close proximity to industrial zones.
- Enhancing support for locally manufactured products and expanding both domestic and international distribution channels are key priorities.
- Focus on high-quality national products, retain customers, and leverage their networks.
- Support advertising and publicity costs for national products.
- Lift the export ban on certain products to enhance global competitiveness.
- Prioritizing local products in cooperative societies to support national industries.
- Organizing local exhibitions to promote national products and increasing the use of local components in projects, especially government initiatives.
- Government promotion of national products and the Kuwaiti quality mark to enhance local industry support.
- Utilizing electronic marketing to promote local products.
- Providing financial support to exporters through annual quantity incentives or compensation for customs and shipping costs to boost market share and national income.
Advantages of Kuwaiti products
1- Quality
Kuwaiti products maintain high quality due to strict regulatory standards and the demanding expectations of local consumers, ensuring manufacturers adhere to the highest production standards.
2 – Cost
Importing from Kuwait is the most cost-effective option among Gulf countries, as land transportation is significantly cheaper than air or sea freight for many products.
3 – Innovation
Kuwaiti manufacturers distinguish themselves through innovation and the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, driving continuous growth in demand for their products.
Source: Al Qabas
