Egypt has significantly expanded its export of fresh and chilled tomatoes to Bahrain, solidifying its position as a key player in this market. According to EastFruit analysts, Egyptian exporters delivered 3,800 tons of tomatoes to Bahrain in 2024, marking a 50% increase from the previous year and a tenfold surge compared to 2022. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Egypt exported 5,500 tons of tomatoes valued at $2.2 million, a 45% increase over the entire previous year and a record high for the observed period.
Bahrain ranks among the top destinations for Egyptian tomato exports, second only to Saudi Arabia in 2024. The majority of these shipments occur during the winter months, aligning with peak demand.
Jordan and Syria dominate Bahrain’s tomato import market, supplying over 80% of the total volume. In 2024, Egypt accounted for 10% of Bahrain’s tomato imports. Among these suppliers, Jordan poses the primary competitive challenge to Egypt, particularly due to overlapping supply periods.
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Jordan, however, has faced challenges in recent years, with adverse weather conditions such as droughts and extreme temperatures disrupting tomato production and driving up prices. In August 2024, Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture introduced temporary restrictions on tomato exports, leading to a sharp decline in its shipments to Bahrain.
Egyptian exporters seized this opportunity, dramatically increasing their supplies to Bahrain and capitalizing on Jordan’s reduced market presence.
Looking ahead, Egypt’s prospects for continued growth in Bahrain’s tomato market are strong. Nevertheless, Egypt must navigate rising competition from suppliers like Syria and Oman, as well as the potential resurgence of Jordan’s exports. To sustain its competitive edge, Egypt should prioritize investments in product quality, streamlined logistics, and robust international marketing strategies.
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