Oman has reported a significant increase in its trade surplus, reaching approximately OMR4.7 billion in the first half of 2026. This marks a 51% rise compared to the OMR3.1 billion recorded during the same period last year. The growth is attributed to a notable boost in merchandise exports, which climbed 15.3% to around OMR13.2 billion by the end of June. A major factor in this increase was the robust performance of oil and gas exports, which saw a 16.5% rise to OMR8.6 billion from the previous year’s OMR7.4 billion.
Non-oil exports also contributed to the positive trend, growing by 11.4% to reach approximately OMR3.6 billion. Additionally, re-exports experienced a 20% surge, amounting to OMR978 million. Despite these substantial increases in exports, merchandise imports showed a modest rise of just 2.1%, totaling OMR8.6 billion.
The United Arab Emirates emerged as the leading destination for Oman’s non-oil exports, receiving goods valued at OMR1.134 billion. Saudi Arabia and India followed, with Oman exporting OMR357 million and OMR333 million worth of goods to these countries, respectively. In terms of re-exports, Iran was the top destination, importing OMR254 million worth of goods, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia received OMR221 million and OMR188 million, respectively.
On the import side, the UAE maintained its position as Oman’s largest trading partner, supplying goods worth OMR2.423 billion. China was the second-largest source of imports with OMR1.194 billion, while Türkiye ranked third, providing OMR676 million worth of goods to Oman. This trade data underscores the robust economic connections Oman maintains with its regional and international partners.