BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman recorded a trade surplus of OMR2.09 billion at the end of April 2026, according to preliminary statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Although slightly lower than the OMR2.11 billion surplus recorded during the same period in 2025, the figures highlight the continued strength of the country’s foreign trade sector, supported by robust re-export activity and steady commercial flows.
The NCSI data showed that the total value of merchandise exports reached OMR7.6 billion during the first four months of 2026, while merchandise imports totalled OMR5.5 billion, resulting in a trade surplus exceeding OMR2 billion. Oil and gas exports remained the largest contributor to total exports, amounting to OMR4.7 billion by the end of April. However, the sector recorded a 7.5 percent decline compared to the corresponding period in 2025, when exports stood at OMR5.1 billion, reflecting softer hydrocarbon export earnings.
Non-oil exports also registered a slight decrease, reaching OMR2.1 billion compared to OMR2.2 billion during the same period last year. Despite the modest decline, non-oil exports continued to play a significant role in Oman’s efforts to diversify its economy and expand its presence in international markets.
A standout feature of the latest trade figures was the sharp increase in re-exports. The value of re-exported goods climbed to OMR770 million by the end of April 2026, up from OMR462 million during the corresponding period in 2025, representing a strong 66.8 percent growth. The increase underscores Oman’s growing importance as a regional logistics and trade hub, benefiting from its strategic location and advanced port infrastructure.
The United Arab Emirates remained the largest destination for Oman’s non-oil exports, receiving goods worth OMR480 million. It was followed by Saudi Arabia with OMR233 million, India with OMR214 million, the United States with OMR168 million, and South Korea with OMR160 million. In re-export activity, the United Arab Emirates also ranked first, accounting for OMR331 million worth of re-exported goods. Saudi Arabia followed with OMR140 million, while Iran ranked third with OMR98 million.
On the import side, the United Arab Emirates remained Oman’s largest trading partner, exporting goods worth OMR1.5 billion to the Sultanate during the January-April period. China ranked second with imports valued at OMR801 million, followed by Turkey at OMR422 million, Saudi Arabia at OMR413 million, and India at OMR392 million.
The latest trade statistics reflect the continued resilience of Oman’s external trade sector despite a decline in oil and gas export revenues. Strong growth in re-export activity and sustained trade with key regional and international partners helped maintain a healthy trade surplus, reinforcing the Sultanate’s position as a leading commercial and logistics hub in the region while supporting the objectives of economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.
