Xifres de comerç exterior d'Oman

Foreign Trade in Figures

Oman's economy is highly open, with trade constituting approximately 101% of the country’s GDP, according to the World Bank. The Sultanate primarily exports hydrocarbons and petrochemicals but has been striving to diversify its economy in recent years, with an increasing share of industrial products in total exports. In 2023, exports of oil accounted for 57.6% of total exports, while liquefied natural gas recorded a share of 11.6%. Other exports included iron ores (2.9%) and fertilisers (2%). On the other hand, imports were led by petroleum oils (22.4%), motor cars (5.7%), iron ores and concentrates (3.6%), and telephone sets (2.3% - data Comtrade).
 
In 2023, the United Arab Emirates was the main export partner (6.4% of total exports), followed by Saudi Arabia (5.0%), India (3.8%), South Africa (2.4%), the United States (2.3%), and Egypt (1.7%); whereas imports came chiefly from the United Arab Emirates (26.3%), Saudi Arabia (12.4%), China (7.3%), India (7.2%), and Qatar (5.6% - data Comtrade). Oman benefits from high-quality port facilities that facilitate trade; however, slow procedures and rigid labour laws remain significant obstacles. Customs duties are relatively low, and there are few trade barriers in the country, with goods produced in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries being duty-free if accompanied by a certificate of origin. The country has more than 105 agreements with countries around the world.

According to WTO data, Oman's goods exports totalled USD 62.7 billion in 2023, marking a 5% decrease from the previous year due to higher hydrocarbon prices, while imports declined at a faster pace (-5.6%), to USD 36.3 billion. Despite being a net service importer, the country maintains a structural trade surplus, although it is highly sensitive to fluctuations in hydrocarbon prices. According to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, merchandise exports grew 6.8% to OMR 24.2 billion in 2024, driven by an 18.4% rise in oil and gas exports to OMR 16.3 billion. However, non-oil exports fell 16.3%, with declines in minerals, chemicals, and live animals. Imports increased 12.1% to OMR 16.7 billion, led by higher demand for electrical machinery, mineral products, and transport equipment.