Bahrain exports continue to show strong performance as national-origin non-oil shipments reached BD997 million in the second quarter. This marks a 12% increase over the same period last year. Bahrain exports remain a key contributor to economic momentum in the kingdom.
Moreover, import activity also rose by 9%, reaching BD1,530 million compared to BD1,410 million previously. Notably, the top ten countries accounted for 68% of Bahrain’s total imports. China led the list with BD212 million, followed by the United Arab Emirates at BD137 million and Australia at BD124 million.
When examining imported goods, Bahrain received the highest value from Non-Agglomerated Iron Ores and Concentrates, which totaled BD129 million. Other Aluminum Oxide came next with BD117 million, while Parts for Aircraft Engines placed third at BD71 million. Although imports increased, Bahrain exports still showed strong resilience by expanding faster than expected.
On the export front, Bahrain exports benefited from high-value goods. Unwrought Aluminum Alloys topped the chart at BD301 million. This was followed by Agglomerated Iron Ores and Concentrates (Alloyed) with BD151 million, and then Aluminum Wire not Alloyed at BD53 million. The top ten export destinations made up 68% of the total value. Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer at BD220 million, with the United Arab Emirates at BD102 million and the United States at BD98 million.
In contrast, non-oil re-exports declined by 6%, totaling BD194 million this quarter. This compares to BD206 million in the same period last year. Nevertheless, Bahrain exports of original national goods continued their upward trend, balancing out the re-export slowdown. The UAE remained the top re-export partner with BD75 million, followed by Saudi Arabia with BD49 million and Luxembourg with BD8 million.
As for specific re-export items, Four-Wheel Drive vehicles led the list at BD20 million. Smartphones followed at BD16 million, and private cars came in at BD14 million. Despite the dip in re-exports, the primary Bahrain exports helped maintain strong overall trade momentum.
Although trade expanded, Bahrain recorded a trade deficit of BD339 million, slightly up from BD310 million last year. However, Bahrain exports continued to offset the rising import costs and helped reduce the gap.
Overall, Bahrain exports proved vital in sustaining trade strength and boosting the nation’s economic outlook.
