Complementary economies driving bilateral growth

The Australia-Bahrain trade relationship continues to strengthen, anchored by the complementary nature of the two economies. Australia's merchandise exports to Bahrain approached A$1 billion in 2025, with alumina and agricultural products leading the way.

Aluminium value chain

Bahrain's Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is the world's largest aluminium smelter outside China, producing over 1.56 million metric tonnes annually. Australia is a key supplier of alumina — the refined ore from which aluminium is produced:

• Australian alumina exports to Alba grew 15% in 2025
• The relationship represents a mature, strategically important supply chain
• Alba's Line 6 expansion (completed 2019) continues to drive demand growth

Food security

Bahrain imports approximately 80% of its food requirements. Australian exports are well-positioned:

• Beef and sheep meat: Growing demand for premium Australian protein
• Dairy: Bahrain's import market valued at US$280M annually
• Wheat and barley: Staple grain supply from Western Australia

Bahrain Economic Vision 2030

The Kingdom's economic diversification programme creates new opportunities beyond traditional trade in financial services, ICT, tourism, healthcare, and logistics. With its US-Bahrain FTA (the first US-Gulf FTA) and GCC membership, Bahrain offers Australian companies access to a wider market of 60 million consumers.

Chamber priorities

The Chamber is prioritising agribusiness, carbon abatement, waste management, and healthcare as growth sectors for Australian companies entering the Bahraini market.