Balance-of-payments surplus stands at BD858m in 2024

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

BD858 million was Bahrain’s 2024 balance-of-payments surplus, equal to 5.3 per cent of GDP, with the current account forecast to reach about 6.5 per cent by year-end.

The rise was linked to stronger non-oil export takings and the growing weight of financial services and logistics.

Workers’ remittances stayed firm. Foreign direct investment was steady.

Banking assets

GDP for 2024 was about $47.1 billion. Non-oil output rose 3.8 per cent. Broad money (M3) was up 5.2 per cent. Total banking assets stood near $244.7 billion by April 2025.

The current account, the main part of the balance of payments, tracks trade, investment and remittances between Bahrain and the rest of the world.

It has been used to steady the dinar and to ease pressure on foreign-exchange reserves.

Projects

A lasting surplus gives room to fund development projects without drawing on foreign reserves or leaning on heavy borrowing, which helps credit standing and can draw long-term investors.

Keeping the line will rest on further growth in non-oil sectors, tighter production chains at home and a wider export base.

Lower non-essential imports and higher value added in local goods would also help the current account over time.