RIYADH: Bahrain’s non-oil re-exports grew 3 percent year on year in July to 63 million Bahraini dinars ($166 million), driven by strong demand from the UAE, which accounted for 35 percent of the total.
Saudi Arabia followed with 21 percent, and Singapore with 13 percent, according to data from the Information and eGovernment Authority cited by the Bahrain News Agency.
Key re-exported items included four-wheel drive vehicles valued at 7 million dinars, gas turbine parts at 4.8 million dinars, and jet turbine engines at 4.5 million dinars.
Analysts note that Bahrain’s expanding logistics sector, along with its strategic location, continues to support growth in re-export activity.
While non-oil exports of national origin dipped slightly by 1 percent to 333 million dinars in July, the country’s trade outlook remains positive. Saudi Arabia led as the top destination for national exports at 24 percent, followed by the US at 12 percent and the UAE at 9 percent.
Raw aluminum alloys topped the list of national exports at 93 million dinars (28 percent), followed by agglomerated iron ores and concentrates at 44 million dinars (13 percent) and non-alloy aluminum wires at 19 million dinars (6 percent).
Imports grew 17 percent to 544 million dinars, led by China (13 percent), Brazil (10 percent), and Australia (9 percent). The most imported goods included non-agglomerated iron ores and concentrates, aluminum oxide, and aircraft engine parts.
Despite a trade deficit of 148 million dinars in July, up from 66 million a year earlier, Bahrain’s economy is set for growth.
The World Bank forecasts GDP growth of 3.5 percent in 2025, up from 3 percent in 2024, driven by completion of BAPCO refinery upgrades and stronger non-oil activity in infrastructure, logistics, fintech, and tourism under Economic Vision 2030. Growth is projected to average 2.9 percent in 2026-27, supported by continued non-oil expansion and the Sitra refinery upgrade.
Overall, Bahrain’s non-oil trade, particularly re-exports, continues to demonstrate resilience and diversification, reflecting the Kingdom’s strategic efforts to expand its economic base beyond hydrocarbons.
