Oman has achieved a significant trade surplus of approximately OMR4.7 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 51% increase compared to OMR3.1 billion during the same timeframe last year. This improvement is attributed to a notable rise in merchandise exports, which grew by 15.3% to reach about OMR13.2 billion by June’s end, primarily fueled by more robust oil and gas exports. Specifically, the value of oil and gas exports climbed by 16.5% to OMR8.6 billion from OMR7.4 billion in the previous year.
Additionally, non-oil exports saw an uplift of 11.4%, reaching around OMR3.6 billion, while the re-export sector experienced a 20% increase, totaling OMR978 million. Despite these gains, merchandise imports showed a modest rise of only 2.1%, amounting to OMR8.6 billion during this period.
The United Arab Emirates emerged as the top destination for Oman’s non-oil exports, receiving goods valued at OMR1.134 billion. Following the UAE, Saudi Arabia was the second-largest market with OMR357 million, and India came in third with OMR333 million in non-oil exports from Oman.
For re-exports, Iran led the list of destinations, acquiring OMR254 million in goods, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia followed with OMR221 million and OMR188 million, respectively. On the import side, the UAE continued to be Oman’s predominant trading partner, delivering goods worth OMR2.423 billion. China was the second-largest supplier, contributing OMR1.194 billion, with Türkiye ranking third at OMR676 million.