Egypt widens tomato trade with Bahrain amid regional shifts
Exports of Egyptian tomatoes to Bahrain have hit record highs, fueled by lower supplies from Jordan and rising demand in Gulf markets.
EGYPT – Egypt has stepped up its tomato exports to Bahrain, reaching record numbers in early 2025 and building on rapid growth over the past two years.
According to EastFruit analysts, Egypt shipped 5,500 tons of fresh and chilled tomatoes to Bahrain in the first quarter of 2025. That volume already beats the 3,800 tons sent in the whole of 2024, which itself marked a tenfold jump from 2022.
“This is Egypt’s strongest showing yet in the Bahraini tomato market,” said an analyst at EastFruit. “The country is clearly filling a gap left by supply challenges in neighboring exporters.”
Bahrain is now one of the top destinations for Egyptian tomato exports, second only to Saudi Arabia. Most shipments happen in winter when demand peaks and local supplies fall short.
Until recently, over 80% of Bahrain’s imtported tomatoes came from Jordan and Syria. However, Egypt claimed 10% of the market in 2024 and is gaining ground, especially since Jordan began facing tough weather conditions.
In August 2024, Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture temporarily limited exports to secure local supply, citing reduced output due to drought and extreme heat.
That move pushed prices up and opened the door for Egypt to step in. With its longer harvest season and improving logistics, Egypt quickly increased its exports to Bahrain.
Still, the road ahead is competitive. Syria remains a strong exporter, and Oman is also expanding its tomato trade.
If Jordan’s production rebounds, it could regain lost ground. Egypt will need to focus on consistent quality, timely shipping, and better international marketing to stay ahead.
Egypt’s influence in global tomato trade has grown in recent years. In 2023, it ranked as the 18th largest exporter of fresh tomatoes, with sales reaching US$53.2 million, a 62% increase from the year before.
Its products reached 39 markets, including top buyers Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Russia.
The country is also a leader in processed tomato exports. In 2023, Egypt sold $91.7 million worth of processed tomatoes, ranking 11th globally in that segment.
Tomato farming continues to expand at home. In the 2022/2023 season, Egypt planted over 394,000 feddans of tomatoes, up 5.2% from the year before. That harvest produced 7.1 million tons, which made up more than a quarter of the country’s total vegetable output.
Looking ahead, Egypt expects demand to stay high. Year-round planting and harvesting cycles support steady supply, while currency swings could give Egypt an edge in markets that trade in Euros and Dollars.
“Egypt is showing that it can be a reliable supplier, even when the region faces disruptions,” the analyst added. “If the country keeps improving on quality and delivery, it could strengthen its place in the market for the long term.”
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