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Sub-Saharan African countries account for around one-third of the overall, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter 2 together representing over 40% of the overall). Consisting of, there has been an (from 90.3 in 2000-04 to 92.6 and 92.3 in the 5 years pre- and post-pandemic ).

and ranked higher than others; UAE is up more than 45 locations in 2024 compared to 2000 while Qatar climbed up 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman rose 17 ranks during the period. The trapped or worse off nations are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural transformation has stalled.
How Industrial Expansion Drives GCC Growth for 2026reveals a substantial increase in average EDI scores from 86.8 in 2000-04 to 92.6 in 2020-24, (up more than 10 points in the preliminary duration versus 2020-24). with UAE outperforming in the trade sub-index (supported by current bilateral trade arrangements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly given the surge in medium & high-tech manufacturing data).

Its diversification metrics have stagnated, revealing the least improvement in between the preliminary (2000-04) and final (2020-24) reference periods., despite the headwinds of OPEC+ production cuts. A robust non-hydrocarbon expansion was supported by the GCC's robust domestic need (supported by a strong task pipeline and implementation) and strong services sector performance.
How Industrial Expansion Drives GCC Growth for 2026Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon profits, "mostly reflecting non-hydrocarbon tax base growths and income collection performance enhancements", according to the IMF. In the existing geopolitical environment identified by intensifying, it remains in the very best interests of product dependent countries to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.
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