MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – In the first seven months of 2026, trade between Russia and Oman soared to $1.5 billion, marking its highest level in ten years, according to Sergei Shoigu. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council noted that bilateral commerce had grown 22 times over this period. He made these remarks on Tuesday, October 20, during discussions in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Interfax news agency provided the figures.
Shoigu emphasized that both nations have ample opportunities to build upon this positive momentum and set new records in their trade relations. This growth trend, which began steadily in 2020, saw a 62.3% increase over four years leading up to 2024, with the upward trajectory continuing into 2025 and 2026. No additional details regarding the security discussions between Shoigu and Al-Kindi were disclosed.
Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov mentioned in April that bilateral trade had quadrupled during the early months of 2026. He highlighted that Russian exports to Oman had increased tenfold. The expansion has been supported by Russian investments in Oman’s energy, logistics, and food security sectors. Additionally, business collaborations are expanding via the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Growth in Meat and Grain Trade Strengthens Economic Ties
Today’s trade portfolio encompasses far more than oil and gas, including agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russia initiated its first substantial shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. As incomes and population numbers grow, Omani demand for meat, especially poultry, is rising. Poultry consumption in Oman is forecasted at 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026, with major Russian producers planning to bolster their presence in the market.
Oman targets 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agriculture sector projected to reach a value of $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, a top exporter of grain, poultry, and processed foods, is well-positioned to meet this demand. In the energy sector, cooperation opportunities exist in liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, and oil-field services. Oman’s green hydrogen initiatives could also benefit from Russian expertise in ammonia production. The sultanate’s foreign trade totaled 40.4 billion rials in 2025.
Muscat Gains Recognition as a Strategic Center for Russian Enterprises
Moscow views Oman as the southern gateway of the International North-South Transport Corridor, linking Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin described the connection between Russian and Omani ports as highly promising for the route, highlighting Oman’s strategic position for accessing other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Over 30 ships previously registered to Russian companies, including Sovcomflot and FESCO, have re-flagged to Oman.
An increasing number of Russian firms are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by simplified corporate regulations and special economic zones. The ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat offer competitive infrastructure. Additionally, a visa-free regime introduced in July 2025 has facilitated easier travel between the two nations. Oman’s ongoing economic reforms under Oman Vision 2040 continue to attract foreign investment. Shoigu expressed optimism that bilateral trade could reach new heights in the near future.