September 08, 2008

Japanese steel imports in Qatar surge by 200% YoY

Japan External Trade Organization Jetro reported that Japanese exports to Qatar during January to June 2007 have totaled USD817.96 million up by 24.86% YoY as compared to USD 655.1 million in January to June 2006. Whereas Japanese imports from Qatar stood at USD 7.05 billion up by 2.4% YoY.

Japanese exports
1. Machinery and equipment – Up by 24.86% YoY
2. General machinery – Up by 73.22% YoY
3. Semis and steel – Up by 200% YoY
Other major exports were metal and rubber products and textiles.

As a whole, Japanese exports to the GCC region increased by 36% YoY for the first six months of 2007 to USD 9.66 billion. Japan's imports from the GCC were valued at nearly USD 45 billion. UAE remained Japan's largest export market in the region accounting for 35.32% of the exports, Saudi Arabia made up 35% followed by Oman with 11%, Qatar with 8.46% Kuwait with 7.23% and Bahrain with 3.09%.