Qatar Foreign Merchandise Trade Surplus up by 2.2% in April, 2013

Doha, June 19 (QNA) - Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) has released preliminary figures of the value of exports, re-exports and imports for April 2013. A short analysis of the data showed that in April 2013 the trade balance of goods showed a surplus of QR 35.2 billion, i.e. an increase of QR 0.8 billion, (2.2%) compared to the same period of 2012. In April 2013 total exports (including exports of domestic goods and re-exports) revenues were reported to be QR 43.2 billion, and the value of imports amounted to QR 8.0 billion. The total value of exports and imports increased by 2.3% and 2.8% respectively, over the same period last year. Total exports' increase was mainly from "Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons" that showed a rise of 5.1%; however, the increase has been partially offset by a double digit drop in exports of "Petroleum oils & oils from bituminous minerals (crude)". The main countries of destination were Japan, South Korea and India. (Complete data on exports by countries of destination are not yet available for April 2013) "Cars & other passenger vehicles" and "Aircraft spare parts" were of the main imported products in April 2013. United States is the leading country of origin with a share of 13%, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 10%. (QNA)