Qatar Foreign Merchandise Trade Surplus Increased by 7.9% in Q1, 2013

Doha, May 29 (QNA) -Qatar Foreign Merchandise Trade Surplus Increased by 7.9% in Q1, 2013 compared to the similar quarter of last year 2012 . According to Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) preliminary report of exports and imports for the first quarter of 2013 released here on Wednesday. A short analysis of the data is given below: Foreign merchandise trade balance, for the first quarter 2013, showed a surplus of QR 107 billion, with an increase of QR 8 billion, 7.9% higher compared to the corresponding quarter of 2012. Exports recorded an increase of 7.2% over the first quarter of 2012 and amounted to QR 129.8 billion. Imports increased by 3.9% over the first quarter of 2012 and amounted to QR 22.8 billion. Exports of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons increased by 9.4%, whilst that of exports of petroleum oils & oils from bituminous minerals (crude) dropped by 13.5%. The main countries of destination were Japan, South Korea and China. Imports of passenger motor cars, aircraft spare parts and telecommunication equipment were on top of the list of products. The main countries of origin were United States of America with a share of 11%, and China and the United Arab Emirates, with each 9.2%. (QNA)