Oman Non-Oil Exports Rise 11.4% to RO 3.6 Billion by June 2026

Oman’s Non-Oil Exports Reach RO 3.6 Billion, Products Reach 130 Global Markets

Muscat: Oman’s non-oil exports are recording continued growth and expanding their presence in global markets, supported by stronger national product competitiveness, improved export capabilities and the development of the country’s trade and logistics infrastructure.

“Oman Exports”, operating under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, serves as an integrated platform connecting Omani companies with international markets through market information, technical guidance, export qualification, promotion and links with importers and distributors.

Eng. Ghalib bin Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Trade and Industry, said Omani non-oil exports of national origin reached about RO 3.6 billion by the end of June 2026, compared with RO 3.3 billion during the same period in 2025, registering growth of 11.4%, according to data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

He noted that growth accelerated during the second quarter of 2026. Non-oil exports stood at about RO 1.6 billion in the first quarter, broadly in line with the same period of the previous year, while cumulative growth remained at about 1.5% through May before accelerating by the end of June.

Al Maamari added that total merchandise exports increased by 15.3% by the end of June 2026 to about RO 13.2 billion, while re-exports grew by 20% during the first half of the year. The trade balance surplus also increased by 51% to about RO 4.7 billion.

He said the performance is in line with Oman’s strategy for developing non-oil exports, which focuses on diversifying target markets, improving exporters’ readiness and increasing the access of Omani products to international markets.

Al Maamari explained that Oman is working to establish a competitive base of exporters capable of maintaining sustainable growth in foreign markets. The objective extends beyond increasing export volumes to improving the readiness of national companies and integrating exports into their long-term growth and expansion strategies.

He noted that “Oman Exports” supports exporters by identifying target markets and understanding their needs and requirements, providing information on technical specifications, conformity certificates and market-access conditions, promoting products through international exhibitions and bilateral meetings, connecting companies with importers and distributors, and providing export training and qualification programmes.

The growth in re-exports also highlights Oman’s increasing commercial and logistics activity and its strategic position in facilitating the movement of goods between regional and international markets.

The country’s ports and land crossings, together with integrated transport and logistics networks, support the movement of goods and help companies access overseas markets. The development of electronic systems and streamlined procedures for trade, import, export and customs clearance has also contributed to improving the efficiency of foreign trade operations.

Omani products currently reach more than 130 countries worldwide, supported by the quality and diversity of national products, Oman’s strategic location, its logistics infrastructure and programmes designed to empower exporters and open new markets.

Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Duhani, Director General of Planning at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and the Ministry’s official spokesperson, said the value of non-oil exports reached RO 1.611 billion in the first quarter of 2026, equivalent to 15.7% of GDP at current prices.

He noted that non-oil exports are diversified across five main commodity groups: mineral products; base metals and their products; chemical industries; plastics, rubber and their products; and live animals and animal products, particularly fisheries.

Al Duhani said national companies have become increasingly aware of the requirements of foreign markets, including marketing methods and the importance of using information and data when selecting target markets. Participation in international trade fairs and events has consequently become an important means of reaching buyers and establishing distribution networks.

According to NCSI data for the first quarter of 2026, chemical industries recorded the highest growth among the main export groups, rising 17% to RO 216 million. Base metals and their products followed with growth of 10.8% to RO 376 million, while exports of live animals and animal products increased by 6% to RO 104 million.

During 2025, Oman participated in 17 local and international trade fairs and events under the Omani Products Promotion Committee “OPEX”, resulting in a number of trade deals, distribution and agency agreements and other business opportunities.

Faris bin Nasser Al Farsi, an economic expert at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said Omani companies are expanding beyond traditional markets into new destinations, including Iraq, East Africa and several Asian markets.

He added that companies are increasingly seeking direct relationships with importers and concluding distribution and agency agreements rather than relying solely on individual transactions, helping to strengthen their long-term presence in international markets.

Al Farsi said “Oman Exports” helps reduce the distance between exporters and target markets by providing market reports, export guides and information on documentation and logistics services, in addition to connecting companies with international buyers and importers.

Food and beverage products, manufacturing industries, metal products, electrical appliances and equipment, building materials, plastics, chemicals and personal care products are among the sectors offering growing opportunities in international markets.

Eng. Salem bin Nasser Al Bartamani, CEO of Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives Company, said the company’s products now reach more than 40 countries. Its production capacity has increased from about 60,000 metric tonnes two decades ago to around 240,000 metric tonnes, representing an increase of nearly 300%.

He noted that the company’s sales structure has also changed significantly, with exports now accounting for about 80% of production compared with 20% previously, when the domestic market represented around 80%.

Al Bartamani said “Oman Exports” helped the company access market information, identify export opportunities, study non-traditional markets and obtain information about importers relevant to its products.

Fahmi bin Saeed Al Hinai, Executive Director of Poly Products Company Limited, said benefiting from “Oman Exports” contributed to expanding the company’s export activity and reaching new markets and buyers, including Armenia and Georgia, as well as markets in Africa and East Asia.

He said the company is also looking to enter additional markets, including China, and stressed that strengthening the international presence of Omani products requires continued coordination among companies, government entities, logistics providers, financing and insurance institutions and trade-promotion bodies.

With non-oil exports and re-exports continuing to grow and Omani products reaching an expanding number of global markets, Oman is developing an integrated trade and export model that combines export promotion with the advantages of its strategic location, logistics infrastructure and streamlined procedures.

The approach supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by advancing economic diversification, maximising local added value and increasing the contribution of the private sector and non-oil exports to the national economy.