Qatar, a small peninsula in the Persian Gulf, has become a major player in the global economy thanks to its vast natural resources and strategic investments. Let’s explore the top 10 exports that have put Qatar on the world stage and continue to drive its economic growth.
1. Mineral Fuels, Including Oil
Qatar’s economy is heavily dependent on its mineral fuel exports, particularly natural gas and oil. In 2023, these exports accounted for a staggering 87.7% of the country’s total exports, valued at US$87.8 billion. This sector includes:
- Petroleum gases (50.7% of total exports)
- Crude oil (22.9%)
- Refined petroleum oils (14%)
Qatar is the world’s second-largest exporter of natural gas, with its North Field being the largest natural gas field globally. The country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have made it a crucial energy supplier to many countries worldwide.
2. Plastics and Plastic Articles
The second-largest export category for Qatar is plastics and plastic articles. In 2023, this sector accounted for 2.2% of total exports, with a value of $2.2 billion. Ethylene polymers make up a significant portion of these exports at 2.2% of the country’s total exports.
Qatar’s petrochemical industry has been growing steadily, taking advantage of the country’s abundant natural gas resources to produce various plastic products and raw materials.
3. Aluminum
Aluminum exports represent a growing sector of Qatar’s economy. In 2023, aluminum exports were valued at $1.83 billion, accounting for 1.8% of the country’s total exports. Unwrought aluminum makes up 1.7% of Qatar’s total exports.
The country has invested heavily in its aluminum production capabilities, with companies like Qatalum leading the way in producing high-quality aluminum products for the global market.
4. Fertilizers
Qatar is also a significant player in the global fertilizer market. In 2023, fertilizer exports were valued at $1.82 billion, making up 1.8% of the country’s total exports. Nitrogenous fertilizers account for 1.8% of Qatar’s total exports.
The country’s abundant natural gas resources provide a competitive advantage in producing nitrogen-based fertilizers, making Qatar an important supplier for agricultural needs worldwide.
5. Inorganic Chemicals
Inorganic chemicals form another important export category for Qatar. In 2023, these exports were valued at $1.4 billion, representing 1.4% of the country’s total exports. Hydrogen and rare gases make up 1% of Qatar’s total exports.
Qatar’s chemical industry has been expanding, producing a wide range of inorganic chemicals used in various industrial applications globally.
6. Organic Chemicals
Organic chemicals are the sixth-largest export category for Qatar. In 2023, these exports were valued at $1 billion, accounting for 1% of the country’s total exports. Acyclic hydrocarbons make up 0.5% of Qatar’s total exports.
The country’s petrochemical industry produces a variety of organic chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
7. Salt, Sulphur, Stone, Cement
This diverse category of exports was valued at $791.5 million in 2023, representing 0.8% of Qatar’s total exports. Non-sublimed sulphur accounts for 0.8% of the country’s total exports.
Qatar’s construction boom has led to increased production and export of building materials, while its natural resources also contribute to exports in this category.
8. Iron and Steel
Iron and steel exports from Qatar were valued at $470.1 million in 2023, making up 0.5% of the country’s total exports. This sector has seen growth in recent years as Qatar diversifies its economy and invests in industrial production.
9. Gems and Precious Metals
In 2023, Qatar’s exports of gems and precious metals were valued at $428.2 million, accounting for 0.4% of total exports. Jewelry makes up 0.4% of the country’s total exports.
This sector has shown remarkable growth, with a 256.6% increase from 2022 to 2023, driven by stronger international demand for jewelry and diamonds exported by Qatar.
10. Machinery Including Computers
Rounding out the top 10 is machinery, including computers, with exports valued at $188.7 million in 2023, representing 0.2% of Qatar’s total exports.
While this sector is smaller compared to others, it showcases Qatar’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond natural resources and into high-tech industries.