Oman’s trade surplus expanded to around RO 5.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, up from approximately RO 3.6 billion in the same timeframe last year, driven by stronger export growth relative to imports, according to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Merchandise exports increased by 17.8 percent to roughly RO 15.9 billion, compared with RO 13.5 billion recorded from January to July 2025. Imports rose more modestly by 5.2 percent to about RO 10.4 billion, up from RO 9.9 billion last year.

Oil and gas exports, the largest component of Oman’s export earnings, grew 21.6 percent to nearly RO 10.4 billion, compared with RO 8.6 billion during the same period in 2025. Non-oil exports also contributed to the growth, reaching approximately RO 4.3 billion, up from RO 3.9 billion in the previous year. Re-exports increased by 13.6 percent to around RO 1.1 billion.

The United Arab Emirates remained the leading destination for Oman’s non-oil exports, accounting for about RO 1.4 billion in shipments. Saudi Arabia followed with RO 418 million, and India was the third-largest market with RO 402 million. Other significant export destinations included the United States, which received goods valued at RO 286 million, and South Korea at RO 179 million.

On the import side, the UAE was also Oman’s largest source of merchandise, providing goods worth approximately RO 2.9 billion—an increase of 23.4 percent compared to the same period in 2025. China held the second position with imports valued at around RO 1.4 billion, followed by Türkiye and India, whose imports were valued at RO 745 million and RO 744 million respectively. Saudi Arabia ranked fifth with imports worth RO 649 million.

Overall, the data reflect a positive trade performance for Oman in the first seven months of 2026, supported by robust growth in both oil and non-oil exports amid a moderate rise in import values.