According to the most recent release of the Planning & Statistics Authority, the State of Qatar recorded a merchandise trade balance surplus (difference between total exports and imports) of QAR19.6 bn or USD 5.4 bn down from QAR 38.0 bn or USD 10.4 bn at the same time last year.

The top five destinations for exports from the State of Qatar to third countries were in Asia in the third quarter of this year. The exports have been on an upward trend following a period with low demand due to Covid-19.

Japan’s imports from the State of Qatar amounted to QAR 21.2 bn or USD 5.8bn in the first nine months of the year (in comparison to China with QAR 20.6 bn or USD 5.6 bn, India with QAR 19. 4 bn or USD 5.3 bn, South Korea with QAR 17.8 bn or USD 4.9 bn and Singapore with QAR 8.7 bn or USD 4.4 bn).

At the heart of the pandemic in April many of the countries were in lockdown and the exports form the State of Qatar declined to QAR 11.8 bn or USD 3.3 bn which stands in contrast to QAR 15.9 bn or USD 4.35 bn in March before the pandemic.

The major export items include liquified natural gas, mineral fuels, lubricants, chemicals and related products.

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