Oman’s trade surplus expanded significantly in the first half of 2026, reaching 4.7 billion Omani rials ($12.2 billion), a 51 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to official data. The growth was largely driven by a 15.3 percent rise in goods exports, which climbed to approximately 13.3 billion rials from 11.5 billion rials in the first six months of 2025.

The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reported that oil and gas exports were a key contributor, increasing by 16.5 percent to 8.6 billion rials from 7.4 billion rials over the same period. Non-oil exports also showed gains, rising 11.4 percent to around 3.6 billion rials, up from 3.3 billion rials a year earlier. Additionally, re-exports grew by 20 percent, reaching 975 million rials compared with 815 million rials in the previous year.

Imports increased at a slower rate, rising 2.1 percent to 8.6 billion rials from 8.4 billion rials during the first half of 2025. The more moderate growth in imports relative to exports contributed to the substantial expansion of the trade surplus.

The data indicates continued strength in Oman’s export sectors, supported by both hydrocarbon and non-oil industries, amid stable import demand. This performance reflects a positive trajectory for Oman’s external trade balance in the early part of 2026.