Bahrain's value of imports increased by 20 per cent, reaching BD445 million during January 2020 compared to BD372 million for the same month the previous year, while the value of exports of national origin decreased by 5 per cent to BD160 million ($424.47 million).

 The top 10 countries accounted for 69 per cent of the value of imports, with the remaining countries accounted for 31 per cent, said the foreign trade report issued by Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA). It covers the balance of trade, imports, exports (national origin), and re-exports.

 According to the report, China ranked first in imports to Bahrain, with a total of BD67 million; the US was second with BD35 million; and Saudi Arabia was third with BD32 million.

Non-agglomerated iron ores and concentrates emerged as the top product imported into Bahrain with a total value of BD24 million, while aluminum oxide was second with BD23 million, and four-wheel drive cars third with BD17 million.

The value of exports of national origin decreased by 5 per cent to BD160 million during January, compared to BD168 million for the same month of the previous year. The top 10 countries in terms of the value of exports of national origin purchased from Bahrain accounted for 82 per cent of the total value, with the remaining countries accounting for 18 per cent.

Saudi Arabia ranked first among countries receiving Bahraini exports of national origin, importing BD41 million from Bahrain. Meanwhile, the UAE was second with BD22 million and India third with BD12 million.

Unwrought aluminum alloys emerged as the top products exported during January 2020 with BD13 million; brigdes and bridges-sections was second. While, aluminum wire (not alloyed) scored third with a value of BD12 millions for both.

The total value of re-exports increased by 28 per cent to reach BD74 million during January 2020, compared to BD58 million for the same month of the previous year.