In the first half of 2026, Oman achieved a notable trade surplus of approximately OMR4.7 billion, marking a significant increase of 51% compared to the OMR3.1 billion surplus recorded during the same period the previous year. This data highlights a robust performance in the nation’s export sector, underpinned by impressive gains in oil and gas sales. By the end of June, merchandise exports had risen 15.3% to roughly OMR13.2 billion, with oil and gas exports contributing substantially to this growth. Specifically, the value of oil and gas exports increased by 16.5%, reaching OMR8.6 billion, up from OMR7.4 billion in the preceding year.
Oman’s non-oil exports also experienced an upswing, expanding by 11.4% to an estimated OMR3.6 billion. Meanwhile, the re-export sector saw a robust 20% growth, climbing to OMR978 million. In contrast, merchandise imports grew modestly by 2.1%, totaling OMR8.6 billion. These figures reflect a dynamic export environment, particularly in non-oil sectors, even as import growth remained restrained.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as the foremost recipient of Oman’s non-oil exports, importing goods valued at OMR1.134 billion. Following the UAE, Saudi Arabia imported OMR357 million worth of goods, while India secured the third position with imports amounting to OMR333 million. The re-export market saw Iran at the forefront, taking in OMR254 million worth of goods, closely followed by the UAE with OMR221 million, and Saudi Arabia with OMR188 million.
On the import front, the UAE maintained its status as Oman’s principal trading ally, providing goods worth OMR2.423 billion. China was Oman’s second-largest import partner, contributing goods valued at OMR1.194 billion, while Türkiye held the third spot with imports totaling OMR676 million. These trading dynamics underscore the strategic economic ties Oman shares with these countries, reflecting both historical and evolving trade relationships.