The Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics has released preliminary figures of the value of exports, re-exports and imports for May 2013. A short analysis of the data is given below: - In May 2013 the trade balance of goods showed a surplus of QR31.3bn, i.e. an increase of QR0.1bn (0.5%) compared to May 2012. - In May2013 total exports (including exports of domestic goods and re-exports) revenues were reported to be QR39.6bn, and the value of imports amounted to QR8.3bn. The total value of exports and imports increased by 1.8% and 7.3% respectively, over the same period last year. - Total exports rose despite of the fall in the three major groups of commodities -Petroleum Gases and Other Gaseous Hydrocarbons, Petroleum Oils & Oils from Bituminous Minerals (Crude), and Petroleum Oils & Oils from Bituminous Minerals (Non-Crude)- driven mainly by a rise of Polymers of Ethylene in Primary Forms and Mineral or Chemical Fertilizers.The main countries of destination were Japan with a share of 29%, followed by South Korea and India with 16% and 10% respectively. - Motor Cars & Other Passenger Vehicles, Aircraft Spare Parts, and Parts of Pumps for Liquids were of the main imported products in May 2013. United States was the leading country of origin with a share of 15%, followed by China and the United Arab Emirates with 10% and 7% respectively. Foreign Merchandise Trade Statistics are continuously revised in light of the most recent information received up to the publication of the press release. Consequently, users are notified that total exports figures from January 2013 to April 2013 have been revised and updated, then published via the Foreign Merchandise Trade Query System. - See more at: http://www.qatarchronicle.com/gulf-business/economy/33698/qatar-trade-surplus-hits-qr-32-billion-mark/#sthash.23FfSn8J.dpuf

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