Bahrain's Foreign Trade Report Reveals 7% Increase in Non-Oil Imports and 18% Boost in Re-Exports

Strategic Insights -

In the recently released May 2025 Foreign Trade report by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), Bahrain's non-oil imports witnessed a 7% surge, reaching BD498 million in May 2025 compared to BD466 million in the same month of 2024. The report highlights the top 10 countries importing to Bahrain, led by China with a total of BD75 million, accounting for 15% of the total imports. On the other hand, the non-oil exports (National Origin) saw a 2% increase, totaling BD322 million in May 2025, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranking first in exports with a value of BD67 million. The report also shows a significant 18% increase in non-oil re-exports, reaching BD60 million, with the United Arab Emirate leading the re-exported value with BD24 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • The value of non-oil imports increased by 7% in May 2025, reaching BD498 million, compared to BD466 million in May 2024.
  • China ranked first in imports to Bahrain, with a total value of BD75 million (15%), followed by the United Arab Emirates with BD48 million (10%) and Australia with BD43 million (9%).
  • Parts for Aircraft Engines recorded the highest product value imported to Bahrain, with a total of BD42 million (8.4%).
  • Non-oil exports (National Origin) increased by 2% in May 2025, reaching BD322 million, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranking first in exports with a value of BD67 million.
  • Unwrought Aluminum Alloys topped the list of products exported, with a total value of BD94 million (29%).
  • Non-oil re-exports increased by 18% in May 2025, reaching BD60 million, with the United Arab Emirates ranking first in re-exported value with BD24 million.
  • Smartphones were the top product re-exported from Bahrain, with a value of BD6.4 million (10.7%).
  • The trade balance deficit recorded BD116 million in May 2025, compared to BD99 million in May 2024.

Statistics:

  • Non-oil imports: BD498 million in May 2025, a 7% increase from BD466 million in May 2024.
  • Top countries in imports: China (15%), United Arab Emirates (10%), Australia (9%).
  • Value of exports (National Origin): BD322 million in May 2025, a 2% increase from BD316 million in May 2024.
  • Top countries in exports (National Origin): Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (21%), United States of America (10%), United Arab Emirates (8%).
  • Value of re-exports: BD60 million in May 2025, an 18% increase from BD51 million in May 2024.
  • Top countries in re-exports: United Arab Emirates (40%), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (27%), Singapore (5%).
  • Top product re-exported: Smartphones (10.7%).

Sources:

  • Bahrain News Agency, 23 July 2025.