Understanding Tea
Bahrain’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports
Bahrain, a small island nation in the Arabian Gulf, has been making notable strides in the global tea trade. In 2021, the country showcased promising growth as both an exporter and importer of tea, solidifying its position in the international tea market.
Tea Exports from Bahrain
In 2021, Bahrain’s tea exports amounted to $110,000, positioning the country as the 113th largest tea exporter globally. While Bahrain’s tea export industry may not have ranked among the top exporters, it marked a significant step for the nation. The data further revealed that tea was the 411th most exported product from Bahrain, signifying its gradual prominence in the country’s export mix.
Among the destinations for Bahrain’s tea exports, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the leading market, importing tea worth $51,800. Oman followed closely, with imports totaling $32,500, while Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and France accounted for $18,700, $4,250, and $878, respectively. These figures highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to build trade relationships with neighboring Gulf countries and other international partners.
Between 2020 and 2021, Bahrain experienced significant growth in its tea exports to the United Arab Emirates, with an impressive increase of $43,900. Oman and France also demonstrated noteworthy growth as tea destinations, with increases of $26,300 and $878, respectively. This positive export trend indicated Bahrain’s rising popularity as a tea supplier in emerging markets.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Seychelles | 434 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 51,788 |
| Asia | Kuwait | 4,253 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 6 |
| Asia | Nepal | 276 |
| Asia | Oman | 32,458 |
| Asia | Saudi Arabia | 18,741 |
| Asia | Turkey | 6 |
| Europe | Belgium | 8 |
| Europe | Denmark | 876 |
| Europe | France | 878 |
| Europe | Poland | 37 |
Tea Imports into Bahrain
In 2021, Bahrain imported a total of $14.1 million worth of tea, positioning it as the 76th largest tea importer globally. Tea held a significant position among Bahrain’s imported products, ranking 183rd in terms of import value, underscoring the country’s growing reliance on foreign tea sources.
Bahrain’s primary sources of tea imports included the United Arab Emirates, contributing a substantial $10.7 million. India followed closely, with imports totaling $1.38 million, while Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Poland accounted for $791,000, $658,000, and $195,000, respectively. These figures indicated Bahrain’s preference for sourcing tea from neighboring countries and other key international partners.
Between 2020 and 2021, Bahrain witnessed remarkable growth in its tea imports from the United Arab Emirates, with an increase of $7.02 million. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan also demonstrated significant growth as tea suppliers, with imports increasing by $143,000 and $32,600, respectively. These trends highlighted Bahrain’s adaptability in exploring diverse tea sources.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Egypt | 4,722 |
| Africa | Ethiopia | 23 |
| Africa | Kenya | 25,663 |
| Africa | Morocco | 16,473 |
| Africa | South Africa | 8,082 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 10,727,066 |
| Asia | Indonesia | 870 |
| Asia | India | 1,382,264 |
| Asia | Japan | 9,822 |
| Asia | South Korea | 658 |
| Asia | Kuwait | 12,909 |
| Asia | Lebanon | 448 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 657,588 |
| Asia | Pakistan | 34,480 |
| Asia | Philippines | 1,491 |
| Asia | Palestine | 336 |
| Asia | Saudi Arabia | 790,809 |
| Asia | Thailand | 44,972 |
| Asia | Turkey | 34,411 |
| Europe | Austria | 8,638 |
| Europe | Bulgaria | 1112 |
| Europe | Spain | 22,883 |
| Europe | France | 31,942 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 53,624 |
| Europe | Greece | 104 |
| Europe | Ireland | 218 |
| Europe | Italy | 4,746 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 3,427 |
| Europe | Poland | 195,425 |
| Europe | Portugal | 2,516 |
| North America | Canada | 2,861 |
| North America | United States | 20,911 |
| Oceania | Australia | 579 |
| Oceania | New Zealand | 334 |
| South America | Brazil | 621 |
Conclusion
Bahrain’s tea trade in 2021 showcased promising developments, with both exports and imports playing pivotal roles in the country’s trade landscape. As an exporter, Bahrain’s growing tea exports to the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and France underscored its emerging importance in the global tea market. On the import front, Bahrain’s reliance on neighboring countries like the United Arab Emirates and other international partners demonstrates its pragmatic approach to meeting domestic tea demand.
The data for 2021 points towards a bright future for Bahrain’s tea industry. By capitalizing on the fastest-growing export markets and actively fostering trade relationships with emerging import sources, Bahrain can further solidify its position in the global tea trade. By nurturing its tea sector and exploring new market opportunities, Bahrain can continue to thrive as a significant player in the international tea market, contributing to the country’s economic growth and deepening its ties with tea enthusiasts worldwide.
Data: BACI