Bahrain’s non-oil exports of national origin climbed 12% year on year in November to BD358 million, equivalent to about $950 million, underscoring sustained momentum in the kingdom’s diversification drive as global trade conditions remain uneven. The increase from BD319 million recorded in the same month a year earlier highlights the resilience of Bahrain’s manufacturing and downstream industrial base, which continues to anchor export earnings outside hydrocarbons.Trade data show that manufactured goods and semi-finished industrial products accounted for the bulk of shipments, with aluminium products, iron and steel, and chemical-based outputs retaining their position as the largest contributors by value. Aluminium-related exports again dominated the export basket, reflecting Bahrain’s long-established smelting and fabrication ecosystem and steady demand from regional construction, transport and packaging markets. Iron and steel products followed, supported by infrastructure-linked orders across the Gulf and neighbouring Asian destinations.
Officials tracking trade flows say the November figures reflect both higher volumes and firmer pricing in select industrial segments. Exporters benefited from relatively stable energy input costs and improved logistics efficiency at ports, helping to offset weaker demand conditions in some European markets. Shipments to Gulf Cooperation Council states continued to form the largest regional share, while Asia remained a key growth destination, particularly for metals and downstream manufactured components.
The United States and Saudi Arabia were among the top individual destinations by value, alongside the United Arab Emirates, which remains a crucial re-export and distribution hub for Bahraini goods. Trade analysts note that proximity, established supply chains and preferential access within regional trade frameworks continue to underpin Bahrain’s export competitiveness in nearby markets, even as exporters seek to widen their reach.
Economists say the latest data reinforce the role of non-oil exports as a stabilising force for the economy, especially amid oil price volatility and shifting global demand patterns. Manufacturing has emerged as a central pillar of economic policy, supported by incentives aimed at attracting foreign investment, expanding value-added production and upgrading industrial capabilities. Aluminium downstreaming, in particular, has been prioritised to move exports further along the value chain rather than relying primarily on primary metal shipments.
Industry executives point to gradual but tangible progress in diversification across chemicals, food processing and specialised industrial products. While these segments remain smaller in absolute terms compared with metals, they are growing at a faster pace and offer higher margins. November’s performance included steady contributions from chemical and plastic products, which have benefited from expanding capacity and improved access to regional markets.
Trade performance has also been supported by policy measures focused on easing export procedures and improving access to finance for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Export credit facilities and targeted support for participation in international trade fairs have helped firms secure new contracts, particularly in Asia and Africa. Logistics upgrades, including digital customs clearance and port efficiency improvements, have shortened turnaround times and reduced costs.
At the same time, challenges persist. Global manufacturing demand remains sensitive to interest rate conditions and geopolitical uncertainty, which can disrupt supply chains and investment planning. Exporters have also flagged competition from lower-cost producers in parts of Asia, placing pressure on pricing and margins. Maintaining competitiveness will depend on continued productivity gains, technology adoption and skills development within the industrial workforce.
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