Oman achieved a significant trade surplus of about OMR4.7 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 51% increase from the OMR3.1 billion surplus reported during the same period in the previous year. This growth was primarily attributed to a robust rise in merchandise exports, which surged by 15.3% to reach approximately OMR13.2 billion by June’s end, largely fueled by enhanced oil and gas exports.
The value of oil and gas exports rose by 16.5%, climbing from OMR7.4 billion in the previous year to OMR8.6 billion. Meanwhile, non-oil exports also saw an increase of 11.4%, totaling around OMR3.6 billion. Additionally, re-exports experienced a 20% growth, amounting to OMR978 million. On the import front, merchandise imports saw a modest rise of 2.1%, reaching OMR8.6 billion.
Focusing on non-oil export destinations, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the most significant market for Oman, importing goods worth OMR1.134 billion. Saudi Arabia and India followed as key destinations, receiving OMR357 million and OMR333 million worth of non-oil goods, respectively. In terms of re-exports, Iran led the way, importing OMR254 million worth of goods, followed by the UAE with OMR221 million and Saudi Arabia with OMR188 million.
On the import side, the UAE maintained its position as Oman’s largest trading partner, supplying goods valued at OMR2.423 billion. China was the second-largest supplier with imports totaling OMR1.194 billion, while Türkiye ranked third, providing goods worth OMR676 million.