Oman’s Trade Surplus Surpasses RO 2 Billion: What This Means for Investors and Business Growth
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman reported a merchandise trade surplus of RO 2.09 billion for the first four months of 2026, remaining largely steady compared to RO 2.11 billion during the same period in 2025, according to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Merchandise exports reached RO 7.6 billion by the end of April, while imports totaled RO 5.5 billion. Oil and gas exports, which constitute the largest portion of outbound trade, declined by 7.5 percent to RO 4.7 billion from RO 5.1 billion in the first four months of 2025. Non-oil exports also decreased slightly to RO 2.1 billion from RO 2.2 billion a year earlier.
This downward trend was partially offset by a significant rise in re-exports, which increased by 66.8 percent to RO 770 million, up from RO 462 million in the same period last year. This growth reflects enhanced transit and regional trading activities.
The United Arab Emirates led as the top destination for Oman’s non-oil exports, receiving goods valued at RO 480 million, followed by Saudi Arabia at RO 233 million and India at RO 214 million. Non-oil exports to the United States amounted to RO 168 million, with South Korea receiving RO 160 million worth of shipments.
Regarding re-exports, the UAE was the primary destination with goods valued at RO 331 million, followed by Saudi Arabia at RO 140 million and Iran at RO 98 million.
On the import side, the UAE was the largest supplier, providing goods worth RO 1.5 billion. China was the second-largest source of imports at RO 801 million, followed by Türkiye with RO 422 million. Imports from Saudi Arabia and India were valued at RO 413 million and RO 392 million, respectively.
Overall, the increased re-export activity played a crucial role in sustaining Oman’s trade surplus above RO 2 billion, despite declines in both oil and gas exports and non-oil shipments. — ONA
تحلیل ویژه از عمانت | بازار عمان را کشف کنید
Oman’s sustained merchandise trade surplus amid declining oil and non-oil exports highlights the growing strategic importance of re-exports and regional trade partnerships, especially with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. For businesses, this signals opportunities in logistics, transit trade, and value-added services to capitalize on increased re-export activity. Smart investors should consider diversifying portfolios beyond hydrocarbons and tapping into Oman’s expanding role as a regional trade hub.
