Oman’s trade surplus rose 51% in the first half of 2026 as goods exports grew faster than imports, according to official data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
The surplus reached 4.7 billion Omani rials, or about $12.2 billion, by the end of June. That was up from 3.1 billion rials during the same period in 2025.
Total goods exports increased 15.3% to around 13.2 billion rials, compared with 11.5 billion rials a year earlier. Oil and gas remained a major contributor, with earnings from the sector rising 16.5% to about 8.6 billion rials.
The stronger trade figures come as Oman’s broader external position is also expected to improve. Following a staff visit to Muscat in June, the International Monetary Fund said the country’s current account could return to surplus in 2026 and 2027.
Oman recorded a current account deficit equivalent to 1.9% of gross domestic product in 2025. The IMF expects that to shift to a surplus of about 3% of GDP in each of the next two years, supported by higher hydrocarbon revenues and continued growth in non-hydrocarbon exports.
The latest figures point to a stronger export performance at the start of 2026, with overseas sales providing a significant lift to Oman’s trade balance.
Imports rose at a slower pace, allowing the surplus to widen substantially over the period. The figures were reported by Oman News Agency, citing the NCSI report.
