Non-Oil Exports Surge 9% in H1 2025: What This Growth Means for Investors and Businesses in Oman
MUSCAT, August 27 — Oman’s foreign trade performance in the first half of 2025 demonstrates steady growth in non-oil sectors alongside robust investment demand, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
Total merchandise exports reached RO 11.5 billion by the end of June. Non-oil exports rose by 9.0% to RO 3.26 billion, driven primarily by mineral products, chemicals, and a significant 150.3% increase in live animals and animal products. In contrast, oil and gas exports totaled RO 7.42 billion, reflecting weaker crude oil and LNG markets compared to the first half of 2024.
Re-exports amounted to RO 815 million, supported by increased electrical machinery and equipment sales, though partially offset by declines in transport equipment and precious metals.
Merchandise imports grew by 5.1% to RO 8.41 billion, led by transport equipment, which surged 25.7%, and electrical machinery and equipment, which increased by 8.3%. Imports of mineral products declined slightly year-on-year. The import composition indicates sustained activity in infrastructure, logistics, and industrial projects.
Officials highlight that the growth in non-oil exports aligns with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify and expand the export base. Meanwhile, the rise in machinery and transport equipment imports reflects ongoing public and private sector investments.
Specifically, key non-oil export categories showed gains: minerals up 4.0%, chemicals up 4.4%, and live animals and animal products, up sharply by 150.3%. Energy sector exports fell across all categories, with crude oil down 16.2%, refined products down 15.3%, and LNG down 17.2%. On the import side, transport equipment imports reached RO 861 million, electrical machinery and equipment stood at RO 1.43 billion, and mineral products totaled RO 2.24 billion.
With diversification efforts gaining momentum and logistics capacity expanding, Oman’s trade structure is progressively shifting toward higher value-added non-oil products. The government’s ongoing focus on investment facilitation, industrial development, and export promotion is expected to sustain positive trade performance for the remainder of 2025. Hydrocarbon export revenues, however, will continue to be influenced by global energy market conditions.
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Oman’s growing non-oil export sector, led by minerals, chemicals, and a striking surge in live animal products, signals a strategic shift towards economic diversification aligned with Oman Vision 2040. For businesses and investors, this evolving trade landscape presents opportunities in high-value non-oil industries and infrastructure development, while also necessitating caution given declining hydrocarbon revenues. Smart stakeholders should prioritize investments in industrial projects and logistics to capitalize on this transformative growth phase.
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