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Export Market

Qatar

ISO: QA / QAT

Country Profile

Capital Doha
Population 3.2M
GDP $219.2B (2024)
GDP per Capita $76,689
Income Level High Income
Currency Qatari riyal (QAR ر.ق)
Language Arabic
Timezone UTC+03:00
Region Asia · Western Asia

Trade Partners

Qatar Exports To

  • China 18.0%
  • India 11.0%
  • S. Korea 10.0%
  • Japan 7.0%
  • Pakistan 6.0%

Key exports: natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, plastics, fertilizers (2023)

Qatar Imports From

  • USA 12.0%
  • China 12.0%
  • UAE 9.0%
  • UK 7.0%
  • India 5.0%

Key imports: gas turbines, cars, aircraft, iron pipes, ships (2023)

Economic Overview

high-income, oil-and-gas-based Middle Eastern economy; implementing “National Vision 2030” government strategy for economic development, diversification, and favorable business conditions to boost investment and employment; expansion of LNG sector expected to boost growth; Islamic finance leader

Government: absolute monarchy

UK Trade Status

No FTA

There is currently no free trade agreement between the UK and Qatar. Standard WTO terms apply.

Trade Barriers

3 active barriers affecting UK exporters

Delays for fresh produce on arrival in Qatar

Companies have reported instances of delays in fresh produce consignments being cleared on arrival in Qatar. Delays can occur due to incomplete paperwork, availability of inspectors, and in cases where inspectors deem it necessary to test samples of the produce.

Sectors: Food and drink

Reported: 18 Aug 2020

Change in regulations: Import of cheese into Qatar

The rules regarding the importation of white cheese products into Qatar were changed in 2019, making it almost impossible to import other than by air freight. Qatar now requires that selected imported products have a 45-day shelf life with 80% …

Sectors: Food and drink

Reported: 17 Jun 2019

Recognition of UK degrees and professional qualifications

Although distance learning is recognised in Qatar, it is governed by a set of regulations which includes a list of approved Universities and guidance for approved courses. Degree-equivalent professional qualifications are also currently not recognised in Qatar. Qualification recognition can …

Sectors: Construction, Education and training

Reported: 28 May 2019

Geographic Region

Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan

Trading Bloc Memberships

Qatar is a member of the following trade agreements and economic blocs.

GCC Gulf Cooperation Council Economic Union

Export Guidance

Relevant guidance for exporting to Qatar.

Start Your Export Journey

Export to the EU after Brexit Start exporting from the UK Manage your export compliance

Also in This Region

🇦🇫 Afghanistan 🇧🇭 Bahrain 🇮🇷 Iran 🇮🇶 Iraq 🇮🇱 Israel FTA 🇯🇴 Jordan FTA 🇰🇼 Kuwait 🇱🇧 Lebanon FTA

Official Resources

Government export support for Qatar.

great.gov.uk Market Guide → GOV.UK Country Information →
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