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UAE minister says details unclear, still assessing Trump's Iran trade tariff plan
Speaking at an event, the UAE minister said that 'there is no clarity' on the tariffs as of yet, but details continue to emerge
- PUBLISHED: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 1:54 PM UPDATED: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 6:31 PM
- By:
- Meher Dhanjal
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The United Arab Emirates' Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani Al Zeyoudi, said on Tuesday that it was unclear how US President Donald Trump's latest announcement of tariffs would be implemented and whether it would affect the nation's food imports.
This comment comes after Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on any country trading with Iran, ramping up pressure on Tehran over its violent crackdown on a wave of protests.
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"Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This Order is final and conclusive," Trump said on Truth Social.
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Speaking at an event, the UAE minister said that "there is no clarity" on the tariffs as of yet, but details continue to emerge. The UAE majorly exports aluminium and gold to the US, of which, a 50 per cent tariff is already applicable on aluminium. A further tariff could mean that prices could rise further an essential metal like aluminium.
The UAE is Iran's second-largest trading partner, Al Zeyoudi affirmed, just behind China and ahead of Iraq, with its food and food products being one of the UAE's major imports.
Once details emerge, the UAE will focus on the impact it will have on the supply of food products that are being imported, its availability and pricing. Al Zeyoudi, however, highlighted that Iran is a neighbouring country, and assessing the impact of the tariff means also taking a look at the soft power the Emirati nation holds with Iran, which goes hand-in-hand with its trade.
Their main focus as a government, though, will lie on understanding what the policy will be and how it will impact the availability of commodities in the local market, Al Zeyoudi clarified.
Will UAE follow what Trump decides?
As Trump plans to roll out the new tariffs, the questions remains if the UAE will follow suit and how it will be implemented.
"I'm sure the businesses are going to do their own analysis and they're going to follow whatever is less risky for their own businesses. But we as a government will make sure that we understand the details well," said Al Zeyoudi.
"We ensure that there are alternatives going to be taken regardless whether the company is continuing or not continuing, we have to make sure the availability and affordability of those commodities in our market."
