Prime Highlight
- Bahrain’s non-oil exports of national origin grew 12% year on yearto 1.05 billion dinars ($2.8 billion) in Q3 2025, led by unwrought aluminum alloys and iron ores.
- The country’s diversified economy and robust non-hydrocarbon sectorare driving growth, with real GDP up 2.6% in 2024 and expected to reach 2.9% in 2025.
Key Facts
- Saudi Arabia was Bahrain’s largest export market, receiving 255 million dinars worth of goods, followed by the US (105 million) and the UAE (97 million).
- Non-oil imports rose 4% to 1.5 billion dinars, with China as the top supplier, and the top 10 import partners accounting for 66% of all inbound goods.
Background
Bahrain’s non-oil exports of national origin increased 12% year on year to 1.05 billion Bahraini dinars ($2.8 billion) in the third quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by the Information & eGovernment Authority. The top 10 destinations accounted for 69% of all shipments, the Bahrain News Agency reported.
Bahrain exported the most non-oil goods to Saudi Arabia, worth 255 million dinars, or 24% of its total exports. The US came second with 105 million dinars, and the UAE ranked third with 97 million dinars. Unwrought aluminum alloys dominated export products, contributing 301 million dinars or 28% of total national-origin exports. Agglomerated iron ores and unwrought non-alloyed aluminum were the next major products.
Re-exports reached 186 million dinars, showing a 2% annual decline. The UAE bought the most re-exported goods, spending 72 million dinars. Saudi Arabia came next with 38 million dinars, and Hong Kong followed with 11 million dinars. Four-wheel drive vehicles sold the most at 29 million dinars, followed by wristwatches and aircraft parts.
Non-oil imports climbed 4% in Q3 to 1.5 billion dinars, with the top 10 import partners making up 66% of all inbound goods. China was the largest supplier at 205 million dinars, ahead of Australia and Brazil. Key imported products included non-agglomerated iron ores, other aluminum oxide, and aircraft engine parts.
Bahrain increased its real GDP by 2.6% in 2024, despite global challenges. The IMF expects the economy to grow faster, reaching 2.9% in 2025 and 3.3% in 2026, thanks to improvements in the refinery sector and strong financial services and tourism. The IMF also predicts that Bahrain will average about 3% growth in the medium term, with the non-hydrocarbon sector making up 90% of the economy by 2030.
