Bahrain Sells More Non-Oil Goods in Q2, Exports Grow by 12%

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Bahrain’s non-oil exports grew by 12% in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, according to a report from the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA). These are goods made in Bahrain, not including oil-related products. The total value of these exports reached BD997 million ($2.63 billion), compared to BD894 million ($2.35 billion) in the same period last year.

What the Report Covers

The report released by iGA is called the Foreign Trade Report. It gives details about Bahrain’s foreign trade, including four main sections:

• National origin exports (made in Bahrain)
• Re-exports (goods imported and then sent to another country)
• Imports (goods brought into Bahrain)
• Trade balance (difference between exports and imports)

Top Products Exported by Bahrain

The most exported product in Q2 2025 was unwrought aluminum alloys, worth BD301 million, which made up 30% of all exports. These are basic aluminum materials used in many industries.

The second biggest export was agglomerated iron ores and concentrates (alloyed), which are raw materials used in steel production. These were valued at BD151 million (15%).

Third on the list was aluminum wire (not alloyed), valued at BD53 million (5%). This shows Bahrain exports many metal products, especially aluminum and iron.

Top Countries Buying Bahrain’s Exports

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the biggest buyer of Bahrain’s non-oil goods. It imported goods worth BD220 million, or 22% of the total.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was second, importing BD102 million (10.2%) of Bahraini goods. The United States came third with BD98 million (9.8%).

Together, the top 10 countries bought 68% of Bahrain’s total non-oil exports, showing that most trade happens with a small group of countries.

Imports Also Increased in Q2 2025

While Bahrain’s exports grew, its non-oil imports also increased. In Q2 2025, the total value of imported goods reached BD1,530 million, which is a 9% increase from BD1,410 million in Q2 2024.

Imports are goods that Bahrain buys from other countries. These can be raw materials, equipment, or finished products.

Top Countries Exporting to Bahrain

The country that sent the most goods to Bahrain in Q2 2025 was China, with exports worth BD212 million (14% of total imports).

UAE was the second-largest exporter to Bahrain, with BD137 million (9%), followed by Australia with BD124 million (8%).

These numbers show that Bahrain depends on China and nearby Gulf countries for many of its imports.

Most Imported Products by Bahrain

The top product imported into Bahrain was non-agglomerated iron ores and concentrates, used mainly in construction and manufacturing. The value of these imports was BD129 million (8.4%).

Next was aluminum oxide, an important raw material for aluminum production, valued at BD117 million (7.6%).

The third most imported item was parts for aircraft engines, showing Bahrain’s interest in advanced machinery. These parts were worth BD71 million (5%).

Re-Exports Fall Slightly in Value

Unlike exports and imports, re-exports dropped by 6% in Q2 2025. The value of re-exported goods was BD194 million, compared to BD206 million in Q2 2024.

Re-exports are goods that Bahrain buys from other countries and then sells again to other nations without major changes.

Top Countries Receiving Re-Exports

The UAE was the top country receiving re-exported goods from Bahrain, worth BD75 million (39% of all re-exports).

Saudi Arabia came next with BD49 million (25%), followed by Luxembourg, which received BD8 million (4%).

These three countries together made up a large part of Bahrain’s re-export market.

Most Re-Exported Items from Bahrain

The most re-exported product was four-wheel drive vehicles, which brought in BD20 million (10%).

Next was smartphones, worth BD16 million (8%), followed by private cars, valued at BD14 million (7%).

This shows Bahrain acts as a trade hub for vehicles and electronics in the region.

Bahrain’s Trade Deficit Grows Slightly

The trade balance is the difference between what a country exports and imports. If imports are higher than exports, the country has a trade deficit.

In Q2 2025, Bahrain’s trade deficit was BD339 million, a slight increase from BD310 million in Q2 2024. This means Bahrain bought more goods from other countries than it sold to them.

While a trade deficit isn’t always bad, it means the country is spending more on imports than it earns from exports.

Bahrain’s Trade Situation

Bahrain’s foreign trade in Q2 2025 showed strong growth in non-oil exports, especially in aluminum and iron-based products. This growth is a positive sign as the country works to build a stronger economy that doesn’t depend only on oil.

Imports also grew, mainly due to the country’s demand for industrial materials and advanced machinery. The top import partners were China, UAE, and Australia.

Re-exports dropped slightly, but Bahrain still plays an important role in distributing vehicles and electronics to nearby countries.

The trade deficit grew a bit, but Bahrain’s efforts to grow its industrial exports and trade with nearby countries are helping the economy move forward.

This trade report from iGA shows that Bahrain is doing well in non-oil trade. The country is growing its exports in key industries like aluminum and metals, keeping strong ties with neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE.

As Bahrain continues to diversify its economy, reports like these show that the country is making steady progress.

non-oil trade