Oman’s Trade Balance Surplus Hits RO 2.4 Billion: Key Implications for Investors and Business Owners

• By Oman Market
• July 29, 2025July 29, 2025
• export statistics oil and gas Oman trade
• With 0 comments

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman recorded a trade balance surplus of RO 2.454 billion by the end of May 2025, marking a 38.5% decrease compared to the RO 3.989 billion surplus during the same period in 2024.

According to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total value of merchandise exports declined by 9.6%, reaching RO 9.639 billion by the end of May 2025, down from RO 10.659 billion in the same timeframe last year.

This reduction is largely due to a 15.2% drop in oil and gas exports, which fell to RO 6.315 billion compared to RO 7.444 billion in May 2024.

Conversely, Oman’s non-oil commodity exports saw a notable increase of 7.2%, rising to RO 2.701 billion from RO 2.521 billion.

Re-exports also decreased by 10.3%, totaling RO 623 million versus RO 695 million in the previous year.

Imports into Oman rose by 7.7%, amounting to RO 7.185 billion by the end of May 2025, compared with RO 6.670 billion during the same period in 2024.

Regarding non-oil trade, the United Arab Emirates led as the top destination for Omani exports, which grew by 22.9% to RO 485 million. The UAE also ranked first in re-exports from Oman, totaling RO 248 million, and was the largest source of imports to Oman, with goods valued at RO 1.651 billion.

Saudi Arabia held the second position for non-oil exports at RO 451 million, followed by India with RO 280 million. For re-exports, Iran was second with RO 109 million, followed by Saudi Arabia with RO 45 million.

Among countries exporting to Oman, Kuwait ranked second with imports valued at RO 731 million, followed by China at RO 698 million. — ONA

Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market

Oman’s significant decline in oil and gas exports highlights the urgent need for businesses to diversify beyond hydrocarbons, while the 7.2% growth in non-oil exports signals emerging opportunities in sectors like manufacturing and trade. Smart investors should capitalize on expanding trade relations, particularly with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, to mitigate risks from oil market volatility and leverage Oman’s strategic regional position.