RIYADH: Oman’s non-oil exports rose 11.3 percent to 3.89 billion Omani rials ($10.12 billion) by the end of July compared to the same period last year, new data has revealed.
According to preliminary figures from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, as reported by the Oman News Agency, the country’s overall trade surplus narrowed to 3.55 billion rials in the January–July period, down 34.6 percent compared to 5.43 billion rials during the same period last year.
The decline is attributed mainly to a 17 percent drop in oil and gas exports, which fell to 8.58 billion rials, from 10.34 billion rials a year earlier.
The increase in non-oil merchandise reflects growing demand for Omani industrial and manufacturing goods across key regional and international markets.
As part of Oman Vision 2040, the government is actively working to reduce the economy’s dependence on hydrocarbons by promoting non-oil industries, enhancing local production capabilities, and expanding access to global markets.
“The statistics revealed that Oman’s non-oil merchandise exports achieved notable growth of 11.3 percent, reaching a value of RO 3.890 billion by the end of July 2025, compared to RO 3.497 billion during the corresponding period in 2024,” the ONA report stated.
The latest trade figures highlight the dual nature of Oman’s economic landscape. While the country remains exposed to volatility in energy markets, its diversification agenda is beginning to yield measurable results.
This mirrors similar diversification efforts in regional peers such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s industrial and logistics strategies, though Oman’s smaller economy and resource base present unique challenges and opportunities.
The report also shed light on the composition of Oman’s non-oil trade. Re-exports rose marginally by 0.5 percent to 1.4 billion rials, while total imports increased by 5.5 percent to 9.92 billion rials, reflecting resilient domestic demand and ongoing infrastructure development.
The UAE emerged as Oman’s top non-oil trading partner, with non-oil exports to the Emirates climbing 27.8 percent to 698 million rials. Saudi Arabia ranked second with 653 million rials, followed by India at 398 million rials.
On the re-exports front, Iran and Saudi Arabia followed the UAE, while China and Kuwait were among the top import sources into Oman.
The sustained growth in non-oil exports signals a slow but steady transformation in Oman’s trade structure, supporting long-term efforts to build a more balanced and resilient economy.
