Packaging Import vs Local UAE Manufacture
The economics and logistics of importing packaging vs manufacturing locally in the UAE.
For UAE brands, the packaging make-vs-import decision has real cost and speed implications. Here's the framework.
Import from China / India
Lower per-unit cost at very high volumes. 6–10 week lead times. Higher freight cost, customs risk, no reorder flexibility.
Local UAE manufacture
10–20 day lead times. Higher per-unit at low volume, competitive above 1,000 units. No freight, no customs, easy reorders. See our Dubai factory.
Break-even
Local manufacture is usually cheaper landed cost below 100,000 units. Import wins on very large runs — but only if the SKU is stable for a year.
Hidden costs of import
Customs delays, stock-outs, no design iteration, hard to fix quality issues.
Our recommendation
Manufacture locally. Related: retail industry, corporate. Contact us.
Need a price on this spec?
Send us your size, quantity and artwork and we'll come back with a costed quotation, printed proof options and a delivery date — usually the same working day.