Aluminium and Cement are the UAE's primary CBAM-covered exports to the EU.
The UAE, through Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), is a major primary aluminium producer and exporter. EGA has made significant investments in emissions reduction and operates some of the most efficient smelting technology globally. Cement and clinker exports from UAE producers serve southern European and Mediterranean markets. Steel re-rolling and downstream fabricated products are also exported to EU markets.
Carbon pricing in UAE: The UAE does not operate a domestic carbon pricing mechanism applicable to CBAM-covered goods.
No qualifying carbon price applies to UAE production of CBAM-covered goods. Full CBAM certificate costs apply based on embedded emissions above the SEFA benchmark. For aluminium, indirect electricity emissions are excluded from CBAM scope under Annex II of EU 2023/956 — only direct process and fuel combustion emissions count.
UAE aluminium default is 1.87 tCO₂e/t (primary route). EGA's actual embedded emissions may be lower than this default — verified actual data could reduce certificate liability significantly. UAE cement carries a competitive default of 0.86 tCO₂e/t for grey clinker — one of the lowest in the region.
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Request Assessment →Default values sourced from IR 2025/2621 (EU Commission). Net costs are illustrative — actual liability depends on verified embedded emissions, SEFA benchmark deduction, and the applicable CBAM phase-in factor. Not legal or compliance advice.