Saturday 12 / September / 2026
Muscat: Oman’s non-oil exports are witnessing continued growth and expansion across international markets, supported by the increasing competitiveness of national products, improved capabilities of Omani companies to access new destinations, and the integration of trade and logistics services.
The country’s ports, land border crossings and digital systems, coupled with streamlined procedures, are contributing to Oman’s efforts to establish a sustainable export model and strengthen its position as a trade and logistics hub connecting regional and international markets.
“Exports Oman”, an integrated platform operated by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, serves as a gateway connecting Omani companies with international markets. It provides market intelligence and data, technical guidance, training, promotion and links to international importers, helping companies make more efficient and sustainable export decisions.
Eng. Ghalib bin Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, said Oman’s non-oil exports of national origin reached approximately OMR 3.6 billion by the end of June 2026, compared with OMR 3.3 billion during the same period in 2025, recording growth of 11.4 percent, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
He explained that the growth accelerated during the second quarter of 2026. While exports stood at around OMR 1.6 billion in the first quarter, broadly in line with the same period last year, exports reached approximately OMR 2 billion in the second quarter alone, reflecting a significant acceleration in performance.
Total merchandise exports also rose by 15.3 percent by the end of June to approximately OMR 13.2 billion, while re-exports increased by 20 percent during the first half of the year, an increase of around OMR 163 million compared with the same period in 2025.
The trade surplus increased by 51 percent to approximately OMR 4.7 billion, in line with Oman’s strategy to develop non-oil exports by diversifying target markets, improving exporters’ readiness and expanding access for Omani products to international markets.
Al Maamari said Oman is working to build a strong base of exporters capable of competing and maintaining a presence in international markets, noting that the objective goes beyond increasing export volumes to include improving the readiness of national companies and making exports a sustainable component of their growth and expansion plans.
He added that “Exports Oman” focuses on identifying target markets, understanding their requirements and building long-term commercial relationships. Its support system includes market information and data, guidance on technical specifications, conformity certificates and market-access requirements, direct product promotion through international exhibitions and business meetings, links with importers and distributors, as well as export training and capacity-building programmes.
The growth in re-exports is also an important indicator of Oman’s expanding trade and logistics activity, supported by the Sultanate’s strategic location, infrastructure and logistics services, which facilitate the movement of goods and strengthen its role as a gateway to regional and international markets.
Oman’s ports and land border crossings, together with integrated transport and logistics networks, are contributing to smoother movement of goods. The development of electronic systems and simplified procedures for trade, imports, exports and customs clearance is further improving efficiency and the experience of exporters and importers.
Omani products currently reach more than 130 countries worldwide, expanding the country’s footprint in international markets and benefiting from the quality and diversity of national products, Oman’s strategic location, efficient 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 non-oil exports reached OMR 1.611 billion in the first quarter of 2026, equivalent to 15.7 percent of GDP at current prices, which stood at OMR 10.293 billion, compared with 15.2 percent during the same period in 2025.
He said non-oil exports are diversified across five major groups: mineral products; base metals and articles thereof; chemical industries; plastics, rubber and their products; and live animals and animal products, particularly fisheries.
According to the latest commodity breakdown published by NCSI for the first quarter of 2026, chemical industries recorded the highest growth at 17 percent, reaching OMR 216 million. They were followed by base metals and articles thereof, which grew by 10.8 percent to OMR 376 million. Exports of live animals and animal products increased by 6 percent to OMR 104 million.
Oman participated in 17 local and international exhibitions and trade events in 2025 under the umbrella of the Oman Product Promotion Committee “OPEX”, resulting in several deals, distribution and agency agreements, and commercial opportunities.
Faris bin Nasser Al Farsi, an economic expert at the ministry, said Omani companies are expanding their target markets beyond traditional destinations to new and promising markets, including Iraq, East Africa and several Asian markets.
He noted that the shift is not limited to the number of new markets but also involves the way companies enter them, with businesses increasingly establishing direct relationships with importers and concluding distribution and agency agreements rather than relying solely on individual transactions.
Al Farsi said “Exports Oman” helps bridge the gap between exporters and target markets by providing market reports, export guides and information on documentation and logistics, as well as connecting companies with international buyers and importers.
Food and beverage industries, manufacturing, mineral products, electrical appliances and equipment, building materials, plastics, chemicals and Omani-origin personal care products are among the sectors showing growing opportunities in international markets.
Salim bin Nasser Al Bartamani, CEO of Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives, said the company’s products currently reach more than 40 countries, while its production capacity has increased from around 60,000 metric tonnes two decades ago to nearly 240,000 metric tonnes today.
He said the company’s sales structure has also changed significantly. While the domestic market previously accounted for around 80 percent of production and exports for 20 percent, approximately 80 percent of production is now directed to international markets.
Al Bartamani credited “Exports Oman” with providing market intelligence and export opportunities, helping the company explore non-traditional markets, identify target destinations and access information on importers relevant to its products.
Fahmi bin Said Al Hinai, CEO of Poly Products Ltd., said benefiting from “Exports Oman” had contributed to expanding the company’s export activities and reaching new markets and buyers, including opportunities in Armenia, Georgia, Africa and East Asia, with the company aiming to enter additional markets, including China.
He stressed that strengthening the global presence of Omani products requires continued integration among companies, government entities, the logistics sector, financing and insurance institutions, and trade promotion bodies.
With continued growth in non-oil exports and re-exports and an expanding network of target markets, Oman is moving towards an integrated trade and export model that leverages its strategic location, logistics infrastructure and streamlined procedures.
The approach supports Oman’s efforts to strengthen its role in regional and international trade and establish a sustainable Omani presence in global markets, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the national economy, maximise local added value and enhance the contribution of the private sector and non-oil exports to the economy.
