Oman trade rebounds swiftly after disruptions

MUSCAT, SEPT 16
Oman’s trade and maritime networks have demonstrated resilience in the face of disruptions triggered by the Iran-US conflict, although air travel and tourism have suffered a more pronounced impact, according to the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).
In an assessment published in its 2025 Annual Report, the apex bank said the escalation of regional tensions from late February 2026 temporarily disrupted maritime and air activity, with knock-on effects on Oman’s non-oil trade.
Trade flows weakened noticeably in March, reflecting interruptions to commercial shipping and Oman’s substantial exposure to markets linked to the Strait of Hormuz. In 2025, countries exposed to the Strait accounted for 40.9 per cent of Oman’s non-oil exports, 46.4 per cent of imports and 68.8 per cent of re-exports.
However, preliminary April data pointed to a rapid recovery. Imports surged 91.4 per cent month-on-month, while non-oil exports rose 11.1 per cent and re-exports jumped 225.9 per cent, signalling the resumption of activity and adjustment to regional disruptions. Non-oil exports nevertheless remained comparatively subdued because of Oman’s exposure to Arabian Gulf markets.
The CBO said existing transport infrastructure and alternative land routes helped cushion the disruption. Land-based non-oil exports increased to RO 182 million in April from RO 159.9 million in March, while seaborne imports rebounded to RO 847.9 million from RO 458 million. Airborne imports jumped to RO 510.6 million from RO 144.8 million, partly reflecting delayed shipments and trade rerouting.
Maritime activity also remained operational. IMF PortWatch data cited by the CBO showed 219 ships called at Omani ports in March, rising to 344 in April, including container vessels and tankers.
Commercial aviation was harder hit. Passenger arrivals and departures totalled 727,669 in April, down 27.2 per cent from a year earlier. Elevated jet-fuel prices also raised airline operating costs and ticket prices, potentially weighing on inbound tourism. Visitor numbers fell 5.2 per cent year-on-year in March, although this was substantially milder than the 46.6 per cent contraction in traffic carried by Middle East airlines.
Looking ahead, the CBO cautioned that uncertainty remained elevated, particularly over global supply disruptions, commodity prices and product availability. Yet Oman’s infrastructure and trade networks had mitigated some immediate effects, while regional cargo flows appeared to be shifting towards Omani ports, notably Salalah and Sohar, amid continuing logistical adjustments.