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The twenty imports Bahrain is best placed to replace.

Bahrain imported USD 9.6bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 6.2bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well, with how concentrated the supply of each is.

USD 963mthe twenty, imported in 2024
35products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
254products Bahrain already exports well
174product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Bahrain already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Bahrain would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Bahrain does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Vehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat beltsHS 870829

    Comes fromJapan 67%, 69 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRailway or tramway rolling stock: parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8607 (exports USD 11m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 49m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 67m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Japan supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 67mup 3% on 2022
  2. 2

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, containing indentations, ribs, grooves...HS 721420

    Comes fromQatar 74%, 8 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 15k
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 28m, top 29 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 7 per cent (3); Qatar supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 28mdown 58% on 2022
  3. 3

    Cement: portland, other than white, whether or not artificially colouredHS 252329

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 100%, 2 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 1k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 18m
    Countries that export it well54

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 26m, top 31 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 5 per cent (3); Saudi Arabia supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 26mdown 18% on 2022
  4. 4

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage exceeding 1000 voltsHS 854460

    Comes fromSouth Korea 46%, 34 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 123k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 64m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 84m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1); South Korea supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 84mup 79% on 2022
  5. 5

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromPoland 38%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoa (exports USD 86m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 67m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2).

    USD 67mdown 9% on 2022
  6. 6

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 56%, 44 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWashing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not... (exports USD 19m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 46m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 46mdown 5% on 2022
  7. 7

    Poly(ethylene terephthalate): in primary forms, having a viscosity of less than 78ml/gHS 390769

    Comes fromChina 68%, 7 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 80k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 45m, top 17 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); China supplies 68 per cent (2).

    USD 45mfrom USD 6m in 2022
  8. 8

    Printed matter: in single sheets, whether or not foldedHS 490110

    Comes fromChina 94%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaper and paperboard: box files, letter trays, storage boxes and... (exports USD 512k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 59k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 10m
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 39m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); China supplies 94 per cent (2).

    USD 39mfrom USD 5m in 2022
  9. 9

    Paints and varnishes: based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous mediumHS 320890

    Comes fromUnited Arab Emirates 81%, 32 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWashing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not... (exports USD 19m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 938k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 36m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); United Arab Emirates supplies 81 per cent (2).

    USD 36mup 11% on 2022
  10. 10

    Aluminium: casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or...HS 761290

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 79%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any... (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 18k
    Countries that export it well42

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 25m, top 33 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 79 per cent (2).

    USD 25mup 70% on 2022
  11. 11

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300490

    Comes fromGermany 13%, 67 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWashing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not... (exports USD 19m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 52m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 265m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 39 per cent (1).

    USD 265mup 4% on 2022
  12. 12

    Protein: concentrates and textured protein substancesHS 210610

    Comes fromNew Zealand 42%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeat preparations: of meat, meat offal or the blood of any animal... (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 134k
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 43m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); New Zealand supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 43mdown 7% on 2022
  13. 13

    Glass: carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials and other containers of glass, (not ampoules), used for the...HS 701090

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 84%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 182k
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 34 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); Saudi Arabia supplies 84 per cent (2).

    USD 24mup 6% on 2022
  14. 14

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, containing indentations, ribs, grooves...HS 721310

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 97%, 5 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 27k
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 22m, top 42 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); Saudi Arabia supplies 97 per cent (2).

    USD 22mdown 3% on 2022
  15. 15

    Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavouredHS 220210

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 49%, 55 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoa (exports USD 86m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 24m
    Countries that export it well60

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 45 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 13 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 21mup 125% on 2022
  16. 16

    Plastics: carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles, for the conveyance or packing of goodsHS 392330

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 56%, 55 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, for the... (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 20m, top 49 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 20mup 24% on 2022
  17. 17

    Quicklime: excluding calcium oxide and hydroxide of heading no. 2825HS 252210

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 90%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well40

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 16m, top 64 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 10 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 90 per cent (2).

    USD 16mup 33% on 2022
  18. 18

    Juice: of any single fruit, nut or vegetable n.e.c. in heading no. 2009, unfermented, not containing added spirit...HS 200989

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 76%, 47 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoa (exports USD 86m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 274k
    Countries that export it well50

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 14m, top 71 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 15 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 76 per cent (2).

    USD 14mup 7% on 2022
  19. 19

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments...HS 330499

    Comes fromUnited Arab Emirates 22%, 66 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOrganic surface-active products and preparations for washing the... (exports USD 26m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 38m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1).

    USD 38mdown 11% on 2022
  20. 20

    Beer: made from maltHS 220300

    Comes fromNetherlands 25%, 31 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 11k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 35m, top 25 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 39 per cent (1).

    USD 35mup 26% on 2022

The bill and its path, the sources and their unit values, who exports the line well, the nearest strengths, the public buyers where a country publishes them, and the method. We reply by email. Privacy

One line per customs heading. Products Bahrain already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston... imports USD 350m, exports USD 148m, top source Japan 51%
  • Engines: parts of aircraft engines (spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary... imports USD 63m, exports USD 2m, top source Singapore 81%
  • Fluorides: of aluminium imports USD 48m, exports USD 2m, top source Italy 64%
  • Sugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added... imports USD 70m, exports USD 26m, top source Saudi Arabia 42%
  • Wrist-watches: electrically operated, with or without a stop-watch, with case... imports USD 36m, exports USD 678k, top source Saudi Arabia 95%
  • Boring or sinking machinery: parts for boring or sinking machinery of... imports USD 30m, exports USD 9m, top source United States 64%
  • Wrist-watches: (not electrically operated), automatic winding, whether or not... imports USD 50m, exports USD 29m, top source Switzerland 99%
  • Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, for... imports USD 86m, exports USD 65m, top source Thailand 69%
  • Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including... imports USD 40m, exports USD 20m, top source Japan 66%
  • Cast iron: tubes, pipes and hollow profiles imports USD 24m, exports USD 11m, top source India 73%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 174 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-03. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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