Dates market in Bahrain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the dates market volume in Bahrain grew from 17 079 t to 18 119 t, an increase of 6%. The sector has long been anchored by the historical dominance of palm cultivation, which provided a stable foundation for local production. The peak in 2020 marked the highest market volume in the period.

Between 2021 and 2023, the overall market volume gradually declined to 16 366 t, primarily driven by a reduction in imports. During this phase, the government introduced development bonds in 2021, aimed at financing agricultural projects including date palm cultivation. By 2023, domestic production reached 14 000 t, supported by Bahrain's accession to the International Dates Council to enhance regional food security and by large-scale tree planting initiatives that strengthened the productive base.

In 2024, the sector remained dynamic with the launch of regional date marketing auctions, a published study on the value chain and competitiveness of Bahraini date palms, and the influence of a global date market boom where worldwide trade exceeded $2.6 billion, directly affecting Bahrain as a producing member of the International Dates Council.

Production dates in Bahrain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Bahrain consistently ranked 26th globally in terms of dates production volume.

Top producers of dates, 2017-2020

World map of production of dates, 2017-2020

Bahrain's dates production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 13 800 tonnes of dates, marking a modest increase of 2.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 8.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bahrain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports dates from Bahrain

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with the peak being 4.2 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Bahrain's dates exports totaled 233 tonnes, showing a sharp year-over-year increase of 25.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 233.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bahrain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, India, the United States, and Indonesia emerged as the primary markets for Bahrain's dates exports in volume terms. India accounted for 34.2% of exports, the United States for 25.5%, and Indonesia for 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented 73.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bahrain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market experienced notable volatility during this period. Export values hit a trough in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with the peak being 2.1 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Bahrain exported dates worth 279 000 US dollars, reflecting a slight year-over-year decrease of 5.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 142 000 US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 294 000 US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 107.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bahrain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, India, and Indonesia were the top contributors to Bahrain's dates exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 28.8% of exports, India for 24.5%, and Indonesia for 17.8%. Collectively, these three markets made up 71.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bahrain in value, 2017-2020

Imports dates to Bahrain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bahrain imported 4 553 tonnes of dates, representing a substantial year-over-year increase of 20.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 13.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 24.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bahrain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia dominated Bahrain's dates imports in volume terms, holding an 82.2% share of total flows. Other trading partners accounted for relatively minor portions of the imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bahrain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Bahrain's dates import value declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country imported dates worth approximately 4 306 000 US dollars, indicating a moderate year-over-year decrease of 5.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 259 000 US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, at 13.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bahrain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia was the dominant source for Bahrain's dates imports in value terms, accounting for 70.8% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bahrain in value, 2017-2020