In the first half of 2026, Oman achieved a trade surplus amounting to OMR4.7 billion, marking a significant 51% increase from the OMR3.1 billion recorded during the same period in the previous year. This remarkable growth is highlighted by a substantial rise in merchandise exports, which surged by 15.3% to reach approximately OMR13.2 billion by the end of June. The surge in exports was primarily fueled by a robust performance in the oil and gas sector, with export values rising 16.5% to OMR8.6 billion, compared to OMR7.4 billion in the preceding year.
Aside from oil and gas, Oman also saw an uplift in non-oil exports, which increased by 11.4% to nearly OMR3.6 billion. Re-exports, too, experienced growth, climbing 20% to OMR978 million. Meanwhile, merchandise imports into the country showed a modest increase of 2.1%, amounting to OMR8.6 billion.
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 and India were significant markets for Oman’s non-oil exports, with shipments amounting to OMR357 million and OMR333 million, respectively.
In terms of re-exports, Iran was the leading recipient, with goods worth OMR254 million, followed closely by the UAE at OMR221 million and Saudi Arabia at OMR188 million. On the import front, the UAE maintained its status as Oman’s largest trading partner, supplying goods worth OMR2.423 billion. China was the second-largest supplier with OMR1.194 billion, while Türkiye was the third, providing goods worth OMR676 million.