Contents

1. Imports Overview 4
2. Non-oil Imports 5
3. Industry Import Profiles 7
3.1 Chemicals and Polymers 7
3.2 Heavy Machinery & Electronics 9
3.3 Building Material 11
3.4 Food Products 13
3.5 Consumer Durables 15
4. Importers Guidelines 17
4.1 Overview of Customs Procedures 17
4.2 Resources and useful links 18
5. Appendix 1: Trade Agreements 19
6. Appendix 2: Estimated Shipping Cost from KSA to Qatar 21

Disclaimer
The Import Summary Report has been prepared by the Saudi Export Development Authority “SAUDI EXPORTS” as
a part of its continuous publication on countries. The purpose of this study is to provide a high- level view of global
imports based on available public information. Its analysis, perceptions, and anticipations are subject to personal
judgment. “SAUDI EXPORTS” is not liable for any consequences caused by the understanding and interpretation of
any part of this report. In general, the information in the report present a broad view of the imports to the country.
Saudi exporters are encouraged to carry out further studies for any potential opportunities identified in this report.
Please note that the data for Turkey’s imports from KSA might not match the KSA exports to Turkey due to logistics
cost, insurance costs, classification concept and details, coverage, and valuation etc. Also, this report has been
made from data available on United Nations Comtrade database for the period (2012-2015) and we didn’t include
2011 data since it is not available on comtrade by the time we collected the data on Aug 2016. 2016.

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 SUMMARY
• Qatar’s GDP has grown at a CAGR of 7% from 2010 to
2015(in constant 2005 US$) while imports have grown at a
comparable rate of 7% during the same period.

• Non-oil imports which constituted almost 99% of Qatar’s

overall imports in 2015, increased by a comparable CAGR of
8% from 2010 to 2015. Among the non-oil imports;Chemicals
& Polymers, Heavy Machinery &Electronics, Food Products,
Building Materials,and Textiles are the major industries.

• The Kingdom, at present, occupies a share of4% of Qatar’s

non-oil import segmentand have witnessed a consistent
growth of 3%CAGRfrom 2010 to 2015. The Kingdom
prominently supplies Food Products and Building Materials
to Qatar.

This report looks into Qatar’s non-oil import market vis-à-vis

the Kingdom’s share in the segment. It also outlines the import
potentials in certain industries such asChemicals & Polymers,
Heavy Machinery & Electronics, Building Materials, Food
Products and Textiles.Import of services by Qatar is not a part
of this Import Summary Report.

Please note that the data for Qatar’s imports from KSA might
not match the KSA exports to Qatar due to logistics cost,
insurance costs, classification concept and details, coverage,
and valuation etc. More this report has been made from data
available on United Nations Comtrade database till March
2016.

For comments and queries please contact:

Saudi Exports
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
P.O. Box 75169, Riyadh 11578 Telephone:
+966 11 463 1345 www.saudiexports.sa

3
 1. Imports Overview
After declaring independence from Britain in 1971, Qatar has rapidly transformed itself form a British protectorate state to the
richest country in the world. Its oil and gas resources have fuelled its growth, however the governmenthas been trying to diversify
its economy with its massive investment programs. But oil and gas still accounts for more than 90% of total exports and around two
third of government revenues.
Between 2010 and 2015, Qatar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% to 625
billion SAR (in constant 2005 US$) in 2015. In world’s bank Ease of Doing Business 2015 ranking, Qatar was ranked at 68 globally
and third with its MENA peers.
Figure 1 shows distribution of Qatar’s imports from 2012 to 2015. Total imports to the country during this period increased by 6%
CAGR.Among the total imports, the import of oil has remained the same whereas imports of Chemicals & Polymersincreased by a
CAGR of 9% in these five years. Non-oil andnon-Chemicals& Polymers imports constituted approximately95% of the total imports in
2015 and grew at a CAGR of 6% from 2012 to 2015.

in billion SAR 11%

6% 11% U.S.A
11%
Expanding 2015 imports further

122 11% China

115 114
101 8% UAE
Total Imports 122
Bn SAR 7% Germany
8%
110 95 107 115 5% Japan
6% United Kingdom
7%
5% KSA
4 5 6 6 46% 5% 46% Others
1 1 1 1
2012 2013 2014 2015 5% 6%

Oil Chemical & Polymers Others

2
Figure 1: Importsprofile of Qatar

Figure 1 shows country-wise breakup of Qatar’s import portfolio.USA and China are the biggest contributorsofQatar’s imports, with
each supplying 11% of the total imported goods in 2015, primarily Chemicals and Polymers, Heavy Machinery &Electronics, Building
Materials, Food Products. USA and China were followed by UAE, Germany and Japanin the list of leading exporters to Qatar. The
Kingdom accounted for fair share of5% in the total imported products.
Qataras a member of GCC has signed trade agreements with twoentities (Refer to Appendix 1 to find list of all trade agreements),
being a member of GCC it enjoys FTA with KSA. Moreover talks have been going on and very soon GCC will sign FTA with many
countries thereby boosting Qatar’s Trade.

2. Non-oil Imports
Qatarprimarily imports Automobiles, Heavy Machinery &Electronics, Building Materialsand Food Products. A strong domestic
demand for these products led to a CAGR of 6% forthe non-oil imports which grew from113 billion SAR in 2012 to 121 billion SAR
in 2015 (Figure 2).
in billion SAR
6%

121
113 112
101 36
33
50 30
10 11
8 9 20 23
18 18
23 24
18 21
19 23 26 28
2012 2013 2014 2015

Automobiles Heavy Machinery Building Materials Food Products Others

1 UN Comtrade
2 UN Comtrade

4
 *include Consumer Durables, Packaging, Textiles, Pharmaceutical etc.
Figure 2: Non-oil products imported by Qatar1

Figure 3 shows country wise breakup of Qatar’s non-oil imports for2015.Both USA and China leads the segment with each having
11% share of total imports.They are followed by UAE, Germany and Japan having a share of 9%, 8%, and 7% of the totalnon-oil
imported byQatar in 2015. 13%

11%

11% China
11%
11% U.S.A
9% UAE
Total Imports 121
Bn SAR 8% Germany
9%
7% Japan
6% United Kingdom
8%
4% KSA
44% 7% 44% Others
4% 6%

Figure 3: Non-oil Imports to Qatarin in 2015 - by country1

Non-oil imports from the Kingdom have shown a sustainable growthin the last four years, rendering the CAGR to be3% in the period
2012-2015.In non-oil imports from KSA, Food Productsimport was worth1.5 billion SAR in 2015, followed by Building Materials
worth 1.2 Billion SAR. The growth over the last four years highlights the scope of exploring opportunities in non-oil segment.

in billion SAR
17%
14%
Expanding 2015 imports further

10.412 10.539
8.995 9.106 17% Food Products
Total Imports 13%
9.8 10.1 13% Building Materia
8.7 8.7 10.539 Bn SAR 6% Consumer Durables
2% Packaging
6%
48% 61% Others
331 450 565 450 2%
2012 2013 2014 2015

Cheamical & Polymers Others

Figure 4: Non-oil Imports to Qatar from KSA4

3. Industry Import Profiles

3.1 Chemicals & Polymers
Chemicals & Polymers contributed5% to Qatar’s non-oil imports in 2015. During 2012-15, Qatar’s import of Chemicals and Polymers
have increased by a CAGR of 9% and its overall share in total non- oilimports have increased.

Figure 5 shows the distribution of Qatar’s imports of Chemicals & Polymers. The imports stood at 5.5 Billion SAR in 2015 with Basic
Chemicals accounting for 37% of the total Chemicals & Polymers imported in 2015.

1UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

2UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

5
 in billion SAR
9% 64%
5.6 5.5 36%

Expanding 2015 imports further

5.0
4.8 1.9 2.0
1.5
1.6 64% Chemical
Total Imports 5.5
3.7 3.5 Bn SAR 36% Polymers
3.5
3.2

2012 2013 2014 2015

Chemicals Polymers

Figure 5: Chemicals & Polymers Imports to Qatar1

Figure 6 shows country wise breakup of Qatar’s imports of Chemicals & Polymers. Supply of imported Chemicals & Polymers
is concentrated with the top four countries supplying more than half of the total imports in 2015.Australia, at 18%, is the major
contributor in this product category followed by China and KSA.
18%
18% Australia
12% China
41% 8% KSA
Total Imports 5.5 12%
8% Brazil
Bn SAR
7% U.A.E
6% U.S.A
41% Others
8%

6% 8%
7%
Figure 6: Chemicals & Polymers imports to Qatar in 2015- by country1
In 2015, KSA was the third trading partner of Chemicals & Polymersto Qatar and exported chemical and polymers worth 434 million
SAR.Qatar’s Chemicals & Polymers import from KSA have increased at an impressive CAGR of 15% for the period 2012-15.

in million SAR
15% 553 45%
Expanding 2015 imports further

438 434
233
224
322 250
Total Imports
434million SAR 45% Chemicals
193
55% Polymers
55%
214 320
129 185

2012 2013 2014 2015

Chemicals Polymers

Figure 7: Chemicals & PolymersImported by Qatar from KSA1

1UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

6
 3.2 Heavy Machinery and Electronics
Qatar importedHeavy Machinery and Electronicsgoodsworth 24 billionSAR in 2015whichaccounted for 20% of the total non-oil
imports. The imports have increased at a CAGR of 6% from 2012 to 2015 as shown in figure 8.

In 2015, electronics accounted for almost a third of the total imports in Heavy Machinery and Electronics.

in billion SAR 6%
23 24
21 32%
18 10 10 Expanding 2015 imports further
10
32% Electronics
9 43% Total Imports 24 15% Mechanical Engines & Parts
2 2 Bn SAR
2 10% Tools
2 4 3
3 43% Others
2
7 7
5 6
15%
2012 2013 2014 2015
10%
Electronics Mechanical Engines & Parts

Tools Others*

Figure 8: Heavy Machinery and Electronics Imports to Qatar2

Figure 9 shows country wise breakdown of Qatar’s imports of Heavy Machinery . China is the largest supplier accounting for 20% of
the total imports in 2015. It is followed by USA, Germany having a share of 14% and 10% respectively. KSA’s share in total imports
stood even less than 1% in the year 2015.

20%

20% China
14% USA
Total Imports 24 10% Germany
37% Bn SAR 14% 7% Italy
7% United Kingdom
4% France
1% 1% KSA
10%
4% 37% Others
7% 7%

Figure 9: Heavy Machinery and Electronics Imports to Qatar in 2015- by country1

In 2015, KSA exported Heavy Machinery & Electronicsworth 141 million SAR to Qatar. Even though the total imports of Qatar in
Heavy Machinery & Electronics have risen, KSA exports to Qatar in this categoryhave fallen in the rate of -2%for the period 2012-15.

1UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

2UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

7
 in million SAR
-2% 28% 55%Electrical Batteries & Inductors
140
7% Mechanical Engines & Parts

Expanding 2015 imports further

131
122
50 112 10% Air pump
26 38
39 14 28% Others
5 14
9 Total Imports 131
6 23 Mn SAR
43 18
71
48 60
42 10% 55%

2012 2013 2014 2015 7%

Electrical Batteries & Industors Mechnical Engines & parts

Air pumps Others*

*include, Electronics, Water Distillation & Pumps etc.

Figure 10: Heavy Machinery & Electronics Imported by Qatar from KSA2

3.3 Building Materials

Qatar has won the bid to host FIFA world cup in 2022, to support this it has committed to invest heavily in infrastructure. Moreover,
Qatar’s National Vision 20301 has been touted as one of the most ambitious infrastructureprogrammers in the world.Both of these
make Qatar very lucrative market for Building Materials. In 2015Qatar imported Building material products worth 23 billion SAR,
which has seen a steady increase in its imports after steep fall in its demand in 2010.

in billion SAR 21%

29% Electric Wires& Fittings
8%
Expanding 2015 imports further

23 18% Bars & Rods

20 19% Pipes & Tubes
18 17 8 29%
8 Total Imports 23 13% Bricks
6 6
4 Bn SAR 21% Others
3 3
3 13%
3 4
4 3
5 5 6 7
18%
2012 2013 2014 2015
19%

Electric Wires & Fittings Bars & Rods

Pipes & Tubes Others*

*include Glass & Ceramics, Pipes & Tubes and Bricks etc.
Figure 11: Building Material Imports to Qatar2

Figure 12 shows country wise breakdown of Qatar’s import of Building Materials.UAEis the major supplier accounting for almost a
quarter of the total imports in this segment. The top 5 players accounts for more than 50% of the total imports, indicating Qatar’s high
dependence on its suppliers. South Korea is the second largest supplier contributing 9% of the total imports in Building Materials.

1http://www.gsdp.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/gsdp_en/qatar_national_vision
2UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

8
 25% 25% UAE
9% South Korea
6% KSA
Total Imports 20
Bn SAR 6% France
43%
5% Germany
9%
5% Jaban
43% Others
6%
6%
5% 5%

Figure 12: Building Material imports to Qatar in 2015- by country1

In 2015, KSA exported Building Materials worth 1,355 Billion SAR to Qatar which is about 6% of the total imports within this category.
As evident from Figure 13, the existence of CAGRamounted 2% for the period 2012-2015.

in million SAR
2% 16% 27%
1,355
Expanding 2015 imports further

1,261
1,175 1,185 27% Bars & Rods
384
384 30% Pipes & Tubes
389 392
204 12% Total Imports 15% Electric Wires & Fittings
176
152 180 1,355 Mn SAR 12% Cement & Plaster
362
447 328 382 16% Others
405
254 328 231 15% 30%
2012 2013 2014 2015

Bars & Rods Pipes & Tubes

Electric wires Others

*include Paints & Dyes, Paper Board, Glass & Ceramics, etc.
Figure 13:Qatar’s imports of Building Material from KSA2

3.4 Food Products

Qatar being one of the world’s richest countries in terms of average income has a very high standard of living. Food products imported
by Qatar varies from basic necessities to luxurious categories. The imports of Food Productsinto Qatar have witnessed a high rate of
growth with a CAGR of 7% from 8 billion SAR in 2012 to 11 billion SAR in2015. Meat and Vegetables have witnessed 40% of the total
Qatar’s imports of food products.

in billion SAR 7% 21%

11
10 35%
Expanding 2015 imports further

8 9
5 21% Meat Products
5
4 Total 19% Vegetable
4
Imports 10 Bn 13% Fruit Juice
1 SAR
1 12% Cereals
1 1
2 2
1 1 35% Others
2 2
19%
2 2
12%
2012 2013 2014 2015 13%

Meat Vegetables

Bakery Others*

Figure 14: Qatar’s Imports of Food Products1

1UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

2UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

9
 Figure 15 shows country wise breakdown of Qatar’s imports ofFood Products. At present, KSA is the largest suppliercontributing 15%
of the total Food products imported into Qatar . KSA is followed by UAE, Indian and Australia with a share of12%, 10% and 7% in the
total Food productimported by Qatar.
15%
15% KSA
12% U.A.E
10% India
12%
Total Imports 10 7% Australia
Bn SAR 6% Brazil
4% U.S.A
46% 46% Others
10%

4% 7%
6%

Figure 15: Qatar’s Import of Food Products in 2015- by Country2

As shown in figure 16, the Kingdom exported Food Productsworth 1,667 million SAR in 2015 which have witnessed steady increase
its demand with a CAGR of 8% from 2012 to 2015. The major product exported under this category wasDairy products, followed by
Juices, Meat and Bakery.
in million SAR
8%
22%
1,667 37%
Expanding 2015 imports further

1,354 541 37% Dairy Products

1,330
1,209 15% Fruit Juice&Be verages
395 470
419 276
Total Imports 14% Meat Products
172 181
143 247 225 1,667 Mn SAR 12% Bakery &Con fectionary
215 205 12%
625 22% Others
516
431 498

2012 2013 2014 2015

14%
Dairy Products Meat 15%

Bakery Others*

Figure 16: Qatar’s Import of Food Products from KSA1

3.5 Consumer Durables

The imports of Consumer Durablesto Qatar have increased at a CAGR of 6% from 2012 to 2015 and stood at 7.2 billion SAR in 2015,
have witnessed Toiletries a quarter of the total imports in the industry, and it was followed by a Consumer Electronics in the rate of
21% of the total in this Category.
in billion SAR
6%
21%
Expanding 2015 imports further

7.2
6.7
6.2 24% Toiletrirs
5.6
3.7 21% Consumer Electronic
3.2 3.4 Total Imports 7.2
3.0 Bn SAR 51% Others

1.6 1.7
1.4
1.4
51%
1.2 1.5 1.6 1.8 24%
2012 2013 2014 2015

Toiletrirs Consumer Electronic

Others*

Figure 17: Qatar’s Import of Consumer Durables1

1UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

10
 Figure 18 shows country wise breakdown of Qatar’s imports of Consumer Durables.China was the largest contributor ofthe imports
commanding a share of 19%, followed by Italy which has a share of 9% of total imports, then followed by a Third in the Rate of 8%of
Total imports in this sector.

19%
19% China
9% Italy
8% KSA
45% Total Imports 5.5
9% 7% U.A.E
bn SAR
6% Germany
6% France
8%
45% Others

7%
6% 6%

Figure 18: Qatar’s Imports of Textiles in 2015- by Country2

As shown in figure 19, Saudi Arabia exported Consumer Durable goodsworth 587 million SAR in 2015. The exports of consumer
durablesfrom KSA to Qatar has witnessed a CAGR of 8% for the period 2012- 15.

in million SAR
8%
18%
Expanding 2015 imports further
Expanding 2015 imports further

574 565 587

435 18 %Consumer Goods

433 443 482 Total Imports 587 82% Kitchen Goods
Mn SAR
296

139 141 122 106

82%
2012 2013 2014 2015

Consumer Goods Kitchen Goods

Figure 19: Consumer Durables Imports to Qatar from KSA2

1UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

2UN Comtrade Database, United Nations
2 UN Comtrade Database, United Nations

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 4. Importers Guidelines
4.1 Overview of Customs Procedures
The Customs Department of Qatar has very stringent import regulations/ requirements and requires strict adherence to it for suppliers
wishing to export their goods to Qatar. Non-compliance to these regulations/ requirements may results in holding/ delaying in
the cargo clearance by Customs Department and may attract high penalty, demurrage and storage charges. In some instances, the
customs may even insist on returning the goods back to its origin.

Foreign entities are generally not allowed to market their products in Qatar, they need to have a local partner or representative
to export their goods. To trade, the partner/ representative entity needs to register with Ministry of Economy and Commerce and
become a member of the Qatar chamber of Commerce and Industry.

All shipping and related documents are prepared under the name of the local partner/ representative. The most important document
is the original itemized Commercial Invoice on Shippers’ letter head duly attested by local Chamber of Commerce in blue ink and
stamped by Company seal for Doha customs clearance. All the items must have non-zero value against them in the invoice as zero
value against any item is discarded by Qatar Customs even for goods meant for free sample or promotional distribution. Import of
certain goods such as Telecommunication Equipment, Medicines etc. requires special approval from their respective government
regulating bodies and the supplier needs to obtain them before exporting to Qatar.
Upon arrival of goods, the custom officials carries thorough physical inspection of goods and verifies whether the gross and net
weight, total quantity mentioned are exactly equal or not. Moreover each individual item and its external packaging needs to mention
its country of Origin. In case of any violation or discrepancy is found between the goods and the customs declaration, the same is
referred to a legal committee who decides the amount of penalty to be levied on the consignment. Until the resolution is given by the
local committee, the consignment is not released from the port of entry and any storage or demurrage charges incurred during that
period shall be borne by the Shipper/ Agent.

The customs Department has launched a Single Window Custom Clearance portal called “Al-Nadeeb” which simplifies the customs
procedure for importers and clearing agents. The portal allows online duty payment, accessing customs data&& records and easy
completion of paperwork. User could register themselves and take advantage of the portal for hassle free customs clearance.

4.2 Resources and useful links

• Qatar’s customs and port law:
http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/topics/Business+and+Finance/customsandportslaw

• Details of Qatar’s Customs law and Executive Regulations:

http://www.customs.gov.qa/eng/customs_law/en_law.pdf

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 5. Appendix 1: Trade Agreements
Qatar as a nation has not signed bilateral trade agreements with any country. It has been part of its regional GAFTA and GCC FTA’s
with its neighboring countries. Historically trade among GAFTA and GCC members has not been very encouraging. So far, GCC has
signed only two trade agreements: Singapore and EFTA.

Recently GCC has been pressing hard to sign bilateral trade agreements with some of its major trade partner’s viz. EU, USA, China,
India etc. It has held several round of negotiations with them and very soon GCC FTA with its major trade partners will become a
reality,

Table 1: Trade agreements

Tariff Preferential Agreements Countries

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE
Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia,
Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen
GCC- Singapore FTA Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Singapore
EFTA -GCC FTA Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland

6. Appendix 2: Estimated shipping cost from KSA to Qatar

Market rate estimate for FCL (Full Container Load), 40 FT from major seaports in KSA to seaports in Qatar.

A full container load (FCL) is an ISO standard container that is loaded and unloaded under the risk and account of one shipper and
only one consignee. In practice, it means that the whole container is intended for one consignee. FCL container shipment tends to
have lower freight rates than an equivalent weight of cargo in bulk.

The FCL market rate estimates (40 FT) for exporting products through ocean from KSA to Qatar is listed as below

Market Rate
Origin Port Destination Port Product Category (Estimate in SAR)
King Abdul Aziz Port, Dammam Doha Agriculture (Fruits & Vegetables) 2,575 – 2,846
King Abdul Aziz Port, Dammam Doha Chemicals 2,324 – 2,569
King Abdul Aziz Port, Dammam Doha Textiles & Leather Products 2,279 – 2,519
King Abdul Aziz Port, Dammam Doha Construction Materials 2,803 – 3,098
King Abdul Aziz Port, Dammam Doha Consumer Electronics 2,552 – 2,821
King Abdul Aziz Port, Dammam Doha Electrical Equipment & Supplies 2,552 – 2,821
King Abdul Aziz Port, Dammam Doha Machinery 2,279 – 2,519

Market Rate
Origin Port Destination Port Product Category (Estimate in SAR)
Jubail Commercial Port Doha Agriculture (Fruits & Vegetables) 2,575 – 2,846
Jubail Commercial Port Doha Chemicals 2,324 – 2,569
Jubail Commercial Port Doha Textiles & Leather Products 2,279 – 2,519
Jubail Commercial Port Doha Construction Materials 2,803 – 3,098
Jubail Commercial Port Doha Consumer Electronics 2,552 – 2,821
Jubail Commercial Port Doha Electrical Equipment & Supplies 2,552 – 2,821
Jubail Commercial Port Doha Machinery 2,279 – 2,519

20 UN Comtrade
21 UN Comtrade

13
 Market Rate
Origin Port Destination Port Product Category (Estimate in SAR)
Jeddah Islamic Port Doha Agriculture (Fruits & Vegetables) 9,328 – 10,310
Jeddah Islamic Port Doha Chemicals 8,420 – 9,306
Jeddah Islamic Port Doha Textiles & Leather Products 8,255 – 9,124
Jeddah Islamic Port Doha Construction Materials 10,154 – 11,222
Jeddah Islamic Port Doha Consumer Electronics 9,246 – 10,219
Jeddah Islamic Port Doha Electrical Equipment & Supplies 9,246 – 10,219
Jeddah Islamic Port Doha Machinery 8,255 – 9,124

21 ITC Market Access Map

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