Oman’s Trade Balance Reaches RO 3.885 Billion by September: Implications for Investors and Business Growth
MUSCAT: By the end of September 2025, Oman’s trade balance posted a surplus of RO 3.885 billion, reflecting a 42% decrease from the RO 6.743 billion surplus recorded during the same period in 2024, according to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Total merchandise exports saw a 9.1% decline, totaling RO 17.182 billion. This reduction was primarily influenced by a 16.5% drop in oil and gas exports, which decreased to RO 10.913 billion, down from RO 13.071 billion the previous year.
Conversely, non-oil merchandise exports increased by 10.3%, reaching RO 5.002 billion, up from RO 4.534 billion, indicating ongoing progress in economic diversification. However, re-exports decreased by 2.6%, totaling RO 1.266 billion.
Merchandise imports rose by 9.3%, reaching RO 13.297 billion by the end of September 2025, compared to RO 12.163 billion during the same timeframe last year, suggesting stronger domestic demand.
The United Arab Emirates remained Oman’s leading destination for re-exports, with goods valued at RO 945 million, marking an increase of 28.3%. The UAE was also the top source of re-exports, contributing RO 484 million, as well as being Oman’s largest exporter with imports totaling RO 3.071 billion.
Saudi Arabia followed as the second-largest destination for Omani non-oil exports at RO 837 million, with India ranking third at RO 529 million. In terms of re-exports, Iran ranked second with RO 225 million, followed by Saudi Arabia at RO 113 million. China was the second-largest exporter to Oman, with imports valued at RO 1.348 billion, and Kuwait followed closely with RO 1.151 billion. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent decline in Oman’s trade surplus indicates a growing vulnerability for businesses, particularly within the oil and gas sector, which saw a significant drop in exports. However, the rise in non-oil exports by 10.3% suggests opportunities for diversification, presenting a ripe environment for smart investors and entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on emerging industries. Forward-thinking stakeholders should prioritize investments in non-oil sectors and be wary of fluctuating global demand for petroleum, recalibrating strategies accordingly.
