Business

Muscat [Oman], February 22: Non-oil exports in Oman recorded strong growth in 2025, reflecting continued progress in economic diversification efforts, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. The monthly report issued by the Centre showed that the value of non-oil exports rose to nearly OMR 6.7 billion in 2025, compared to OMR 6.2 billion in 2024, marking an increase of 7.5 percent.
The report also highlighted a significant expansion in re-export activities, which grew by 20.3 percent during the year, rising from OMR 1.708 billion in 2024 to OMR 2.056 billion in 2025. This performance reflects the strengthening role of Oman as a regional trade and logistics hub, supported by ongoing improvements in port services, transport networks and trade facilitation.
Chemical products and related industries led Omani non-oil exports during the year, followed by metals and manufactured metal products, metallic goods, plastics, machinery and electrical equipment. The steady performance of these sectors points to the growing contribution of industrial and manufacturing activities to the national economy and export base.
In contrast, the value of oil exports declined sharply in 2025, falling to OMR 14.5 billion from OMR 17.1 billion in 2024, a decrease of 15.2 percent. The drop in export revenues came despite relatively stable export volumes, as total oil exports reached 307.9 million barrels in 2025 compared to 308.4 million barrels in 2024. The decline in value was largely attributed to lower global oil prices, with the average price of Omani crude falling to $71 per barrel in 2025 from $80.8 per barrel in the previous year. At the same time, average daily oil production increased from 992.6 thousand barrels per day in 2024 to more than one million barrels per day in 2025.
The overall value of Omani commodity exports declined by 7.1 percent to OMR 23.2 billion in 2025, down from OMR 25 billion in 2024, reflecting the impact of weaker oil export revenues. Meanwhile, the value of commodity imports rose by 2.7 percent to more than OMR 17.1 billion, compared to OMR 16.7 billion in the previous year, indicating sustained domestic demand and economic activity.
As a result of these developments, the total value of Oman's trade exchange stood at OMR 40.4 billion in 2025, compared to OMR 41.7 billion in 2024. While lower oil prices weighed on overall trade performance, the steady growth in non-oil exports and re-exports underscores the increasing resilience of the Omani economy and the gradual strengthening of its non-hydrocarbon sectors.
Source: Qatar Tribune