Tomato market in Bahrain

Earlier Report Observations

Tomato production in Bahrain increased steadily from 6.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 9.4 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was underpinned by the established winter growing season, which schedules planting and harvesting to avoid extreme temperatures, minimizing production risks. In 2023, farmers reported a bumper December harvest following farm preparations in Hoora Ali, highlighting the resilience of local supply chains.

The total market volume for fresh tomatoes followed a different path. After remaining relatively stable around 37–38 thousand tons from 2018 to 2022, it fell sharply to 16.7 thousand tons in 2023 due to a significant contraction in imports. By 2024, imports rebounded strongly, with a notable rise in shipments from Egypt reaching 5.5 thousand tons valued at $2.2 million, adding a key regional supply source for the Bahraini market.

Local consumption and promotion received boosts from events such as the Hoora Ali Tomato Festival held ahead of Ramadan, which stimulated seasonal demand. Furthermore, the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture extended the seasonal farmers’ market until March 2025, providing enhanced marketing channels for domestic produce including tomatoes.

Production tomato in Bahrain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Tomato production in Bahrain has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Bahrain produced 6 951 tonnes of tomatoes, showing a modest gain of 2.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 7.3%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 2.4%.

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

Exports tomato from Bahrain

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The period saw a trough in 2017 and a peak in 2020, with a 10.4-fold swing between these years. In 2020, tomato exports from Bahrain amounted to 167 tonnes, representing a moderate gain of 4.4% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 936.9%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Saudi Arabia and the United States were the core markets for exports in kind, jointly accounting for 83.1% of total flows, while other destinations had comparatively modest shares.

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 data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import levels fluctuated 4.7-fold between the low of 2017 and the high of 2018. In 2020, tomato deliveries from Bahrain amounted to 169 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 66.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 414 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 366.0%, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 75.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was centred on the United States, whose share amounted to 74.2% of total flows, while other markets formed a less significant perimeter.

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

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

Imports tomato to Bahrain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, cross-border shipments of tomatoes to Bahrain amounted to 29 707 tonnes, which is 3.2% higher year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 2.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 28 796 tonnes, while the maximum value was in 2018 at 32 161 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 11.2%, and the largest decline was in 2019 at 10.5%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Jordan consistently accounted for 71.0% of total imports in kind, indicating a high concentration on this market, while the rest was shared among other countries.

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 imported a total of 14 622 thousand US dollars of tomatoes in 2020, up by 8.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 22.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 16.7%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Jordan (60.4% of imports in value terms), Egypt (8.8% of imports in value terms), and Saudi Arabia (6.3% of imports in value terms) formed the core of imports in value terms, together taking 75.5% of total flows.

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

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