MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Trade between Russia and Oman hit $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, marking its highest level in ten years, according to Sergei Shoigu. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council stated that bilateral trade had grown 22-fold 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 reported the figures.
Shoigu emphasized that both nations have the potential to build on this positive momentum and set new records in their trade relations. The growth trend began in 2020 and has continued steadily. Trade increased by 62.3% over the four years leading up to 2024. This upward trajectory persisted through 2025 and into 2026. No additional details about the security discussions between Shoigu and Al-Kindi were disclosed.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov mentioned that bilateral trade had quadrupled in the early months of 2026. He also noted that Russian exports to Oman had increased tenfold. Russian investments in Oman’s energy, logistics, and food security sectors have contributed to this growth. Business cooperation is expanding through the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Shipments of meat and grains bolster economic ties
Trade now extends beyond oil and gas, encompassing agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russia started its first large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. As incomes and population grow in Oman, demand for meat, especially poultry, rises. Poultry consumption is projected at 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026. Major Russian producers plan to strengthen their presence in this market.
Oman aims for 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agriculture sector expected to be worth $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, a major exporter of grain, poultry, and processed foods, is well-positioned to meet this demand. In the energy sector, 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. In 2025, Oman’s foreign trade totaled 40.4 billion rials.
Muscat is becoming a strategic hub for Russian companies
Moscow views Oman as the southern gateway of the International North-South Transport Corridor. This route links 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 corridor. He also pointed out Oman’s strategic location for accessing other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. More than 30 ships previously registered to Russian firms, including Sovcomflot and FESCO, have re-flagged to Oman.
An increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman. They are attracted by simplified corporate rules and special economic zones. Ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat offer competitive infrastructure. The visa-free regime introduced in July 2025 has eased 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.