In the first half of 2026, Oman experienced a notable trade surplus of approximately OMR4.7 billion, marking a significant 51% increase from the OMR3.1 billion recorded during the same period the previous year. This surge is attributed to a rise in merchandise exports, which grew by 15.3% to reach around OMR13.2 billion by the end of June. The primary driver of this growth was an upswing in oil and gas exports, whose value rose by 16.5% to OMR8.6 billion, up from OMR7.4 billion a year earlier.
Meanwhile, non-oil exports from Oman also saw an upward trend, increasing by 11.4% to approximately OMR3.6 billion. Re-exports, another critical component of Oman’s trade, expanded by 20%, totaling OMR978 million. On the other side of the trade ledger, merchandise imports into Oman grew at a modest rate of 2.1%, amounting to OMR8.6 billion.
In terms of export destinations, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the leading market for Oman’s non-oil exports, receiving goods valued at OMR1.134 billion. Following the UAE, Saudi Arabia and India were significant recipients, importing OMR357 million and OMR333 million, respectively. For re-exports, Iran stood out as the top destination, with shipments worth OMR254 million, trailed by the UAE at OMR221 million and Saudi Arabia at OMR188 million.
Regarding imports, the United Arab Emirates maintained its position as Oman’s largest trading partner, supplying goods worth OMR2.423 billion. China was the second-largest source of imports, providing OMR1.194 billion in goods, while Türkiye ranked third with imports totaling OMR676 million. This data underscores the critical role these countries play in Oman’s trade dynamics, both as suppliers and markets for Omani goods.