Bahrain’s aluminium powder and flakes export estimated to dip 14% in 2019

Bahrain along with producing primary aluminium has been focusing on expanding its downstream production over the years. Enhanced capacity at Bahrain’s largest industrial facility is set to boost downstream manufacturing opportunities and increase industry’s share of GDP. Expansion of Aluminium Bahrain’s (Alba) aluminium plant known as Line 6 is expected to create further significant opportunities in downstream aluminium manufacturing in the kingdom. Bahrain produces aluminium powder and flakes for surface treatments and for 3D printing.

Let us analyse the aluminium powder and flakes export patterns by Bahrain in over the past four years to understand the market demand and domestic consumption trends.

In 2017, Bahrain’s aluminium powder and flakes export had recorded a year-on-year surge from 5,983 tonnes in 2016 to 5,816 tonnes, down 2.8 per cent. But in the year next, the country’s export volume increased to 8,270 tonnes, up 42 per cent from 2016 and 38 per cent from 2017. This year is again estimated to witness a drop to 7,087 tonnes, down 14 per cent year on year.

Along with the possible decrease in Bahrain’s aluminium powder and flakes export volume, the country’s export value is estimated to drop as well from US$53 million in 2018 to US$47 million in 2019, down 13 per cent.

India this year is expected to be the leading importer of aluminium powder and flakes from Bahrain, procuring 1,345 tonnes, followed by Germany 1028 tonnes.