MUSCAT : The latest figures show that the total value of merchandise exports reached RO 1.831 billion by the end of January 2026, reflecting a 6.1 percent drop compared to RO 1.949 billion recorded during the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, merchandise imports rose by 10.9 percent, reaching RO 1.575 billion, up from RO 1.421 billion last year.

The decline in exports was largely driven by a significant drop in oil and gas revenues. Oil and gas exports stood at RO 1.109 billion by the end of January 2026, down 15.9 percent from RO 1.318 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

In contrast, non-oil exports showed strong growth, increasing by 15.3 percent to RO 613 million, compared to RO 531 million a year earlier. Re-exports also recorded a rise of 9.7 percent, reaching RO 109 million, up from RO 100 million in January 2025.

Trade data further highlighted the dominance of the United Arab Emirates as Oman’s key trading partner. The UAE topped the list for non-oil exports at RO 141 million, marking a sharp 54.8 percent increase year-on-year. It also led in re-exports at RO 43 million and remained Oman’s largest source of imports, valued at RO 442 million.

Saudi Arabia ranked second in non-oil exports at RO 92 million, followed by South Korea at RO 77 million. In re-exports, Saudi Arabia again placed second with RO 25 million, while Iran followed with RO 16 million.

On the import front, China ranked second after the UAE, with imports valued at RO 213 million, followed by India at RO 113 million.

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