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Oman’s non-oil exports grow 10.3% to RO5bn

31 Jan 2026

Muscat – Oman’s non-oil exports recorded a strong performance in 2025, reflecting the ongoing transformation of the sultanate’s economy in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Official statistics showed that the value of non-oil exports reached approximately RO5.002bn by the end of September 2025, marking growth of 10.3% compared with the same period in 2024. The increase highlights improved competitiveness of national products and the success of efforts to open new markets.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has attributed this robust growth to an integrated support framework that includes external promotion, streamlined procedures, participation in international exhibitions and enhanced product quality, strengthening the ability of Omani goods to compete sustainably in global markets.

At the sectoral level, base metals and related products led exports with a value exceeding RO1bn, followed by chemical industry products worth nearly RO658mn. Exports of electrical machinery and equipment reached approximately RO460mn.

Omani exports were distributed across a wide range of regional and international markets, led by GCC countries, alongside Asian, African and European destinations. This reflects diversification in both products and markets, reducing reliance on any single destination and enhancing resilience amid global trade fluctuations.

H E Ibtisam bint Ahmed al Farooji, Undersecretary for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), said the strong performance of non-oil exports demonstrates the effectiveness of national policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the economy.

She noted that the ministry is developing an integrated export support ecosystem focused on empowering national products, improving the readiness of Omani companies and expanding the base of trade partners. These efforts, she said, are helping to increase the contribution of non-oil exports to GDP and advance economic diversification.

H E Farooji added that the ministry places strong emphasis on improving access to external markets through enhanced promotion tools, increased participation in international exhibitions and events, and the activation of trade agreements. These initiatives are complemented by programmes to build exporters’ capabilities and improve product competitiveness in line with global market requirements.

‘Oman Exports’ initiative marks major shift

Meanwhile, Lubna bint Mohammed al Harthi, Director of the Export Development Department at the ministry, said the Oman Exports initiative represents a qualitative shift in the export support ecosystem.

She explained that the initiative provides an integrated digital platform enabling exporters to access market data and advisory services, while facilitating direct connections with international importers. This enhances opportunities for expansion into overseas markets and supports the growth of non-oil exports.

The platform also streamlines export procedures, provides specialised trade reports and market studies, supports access to required certifications and licences, and handles exporters’ enquiries and complaints. Lubna said 365 companies were registered on the Oman Exports platform by the end of September 2025, with a further 37 applications under processing, reflecting growing private-sector interest.

To raise awareness of the platform’s services, the ministry organised five introductory workshops in Muscat, Dhofar, Dakhiliyah, North Batinah and South Sharqiyah, in coordination with governorate directorates. The workshops showcased the platform’s features and its role in facilitating export operations and global market expansion.

In the area of external promotion, Oman participated in 17 local and international trade exhibitions and events in 2025 under the umbrella of the Omani Products Promotion Committee (OPEX). These participations resulted in confirmed and potential trade deals, agency and distribution agreements, and the opening of new communication channels with importers in promising markets.

ENDS.

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