Trade surplus in Oman reaches RO 256 million

MUSCAT: Oman’s trade balance recorded a surplus of RO 256 million at the end of January 2026, down from RO 528 million during the same period in 2025, according to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Total merchandise exports declined by 6.1 per cent to RO 1.831 billion, compared with RO 1.949 billion a year earlier, while imports rose by 10.9 per cent to RO 1.575 billion from RO 1.421 billion.
The drop in exports was largely driven by a 15.9 per cent fall in oil and gas exports, which stood at RO 1.109 billion, down from RO 1.318 billion in January 2025.
In contrast, non-oil exports increased by 15.3 per cent to RO 613 million, up from RO 531 million, while re-exports grew by 9.7 per cent to RO 109 million.
The United Arab Emirates remained the leading destination for Oman’s non-oil exports at RO 141 million, followed by Saudi Arabia at RO 92 million and South Korea at RO 77 million. The UAE also topped re-export destinations at RO 43 million, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Iran.
On the import side, China ranked among the leading trade partners with imports valued at RO 213 million, followed by India at RO 113 million.
The figures highlight ongoing structural shifts in Oman’s trade profile, with stronger non-oil activity partially offsetting volatility in hydrocarbon exports. — ONA