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The twenty imports Bahrain is best placed to replace.

Bahrain imported USD 13bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 10bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 1.7bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
62products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
254products Bahrain already exports well
191product 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

    Vessels: other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warshipsHS 890690

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 100%, 6 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVessels: (other than sailboats and motorboats), for pleasure or... (exports USD 10m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 363k
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 583m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); Saudi Arabia supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 583mfrom USD 18m in 2022
  2. 2

    Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned: of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kgHS 880240

    Comes fromGermany 93%, 2 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAircraft and spacecraft: parts thereof n.e.c. in chapter 88 (exports USD 3m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 207m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); Germany supplies 93 per cent (2).

    USD 207mup 100% on 2022
  3. 3

    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 strengthIron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy... (exports USD 246m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 15k
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 28m, top 31 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 8 per cent (3); Qatar supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 28mdown 58% on 2022
  4. 4

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

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 100%, 2 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSulphur of all kinds: other than sublimed, precipitated and... (exports USD 13m)
    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 33 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 6 per cent (3); Saudi Arabia supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 26mdown 18% on 2022
  5. 5

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage exceeding 1000 voltsHS 854460

    Comes fromSouth Korea 46%, 34 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIgnition or starting equipment: spark plugs, of a kind used for... (exports USD 13m)
    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 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); South Korea supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 84mup 79% on 2022
  6. 6

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

    Comes fromJapan 67%, 69 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating... (exports USD 148m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 49m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 34m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 67m, top 10 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); Japan supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 67mup 3% on 2022
  7. 7

    Tugs and pusher craftHS 890400

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 88%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVessels: (other than sailboats and motorboats), for pleasure or... (exports USD 10m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 66m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); Saudi Arabia supplies 88 per cent (2).

    USD 66mdown 55% on 2022
  8. 8

    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 strengthOrganic surface-active products and preparations for washing the... (exports USD 26m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 46m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 46mdown 5% on 2022
  9. 9

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

    Comes fromChina 68%, 7 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive)... (exports USD 89m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 80k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 45m, top 19 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
  10. 10

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

    Comes fromChina 94%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUnused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in... (exports USD 20m)
    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 23 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); China supplies 94 per cent (2).

    USD 39mfrom USD 5m in 2022
  11. 11

    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 strengthAluminium: unwrought, alloys (exports USD 2.9bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 18k
    Countries that export it well42

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 25m, top 35 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 79 per cent (2).

    USD 25mup 70% on 2022
  12. 12

    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 strengthTanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any...
    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 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1).

    USD 265mup 4% on 2022
  13. 13

    Protein: concentrates and textured protein substancesHS 210610

    Comes fromNew Zealand 42%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 97m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 134k
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 43m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); New Zealand supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 43mdown 7% on 2022
  14. 14

    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 of this lineUSD 938k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 36m, top 25 per cent of candidates (1); 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
  15. 15

    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 strengthGlass fibres: (including glass wool), rovings (exports USD 85m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 182k
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 37 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
  16. 16

    Sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this chapter, not containing...HS 170114

    Comes fromBrazil 96%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing... (exports USD 26m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 42 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Brazil supplies 96 per cent (2).

    USD 23mfrom USD 701k in 2022
  17. 17

    Vessels: light, fire-floats, floating cranes and other vessels, the navigability of which is subsidiary to their main...HS 890590

    Comes fromIndia 81%, 5 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVessels: (other than sailboats and motorboats), for pleasure or... (exports USD 10m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 1 more line in the heading, USD 669m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 22m, top 43 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); India supplies 81 per cent (2).

    USD 22mdown 9% on 2022
  18. 18

    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 strengthIron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy... (exports USD 246m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 27k
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 22m, top 45 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
  19. 19

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

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 49%, 55 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWaters: mineral and aerated, including natural or artificial, (not... (exports USD 11m)
    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 48 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); Saudi Arabia supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 21mup 125% on 2022
  20. 20

    Pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone: of a kind commonly used for concrete aggregates, for road metalling or for...HS 251710

    Comes fromUnited Arab Emirates 94%, 10 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSulphur of all kinds: other than sublimed, precipitated and... (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 6k
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 17m, top 63 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Bahrain's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2); United Arab Emirates supplies 94 per cent (2).

    USD 17mdown 50% on 2022

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%
  • Aluminium: waste and scrap imports USD 46m, exports USD 25m, top source United States 37%
  • Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including... imports USD 40m, exports USD 20m, top source Japan 66%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 191 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 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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