MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Trade between Russia and Oman soared to $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, marking a decade-high milestone, according to Sergei Shoigu. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council stated that bilateral trade had increased 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 provided the official figures.
Shoigu emphasized that both nations have ample opportunities to capitalize on this momentum and set new records in their trade relationship. This growth follows a consistent expansion trend that started in 2020. Over the four-year span to 2024, trade increased by 62.3%, with the upward trajectory continuing through 2025 and into 2026. No additional details regarding the security discussions between Shoigu and Al-Kindi were disclosed.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov highlighted that bilateral trade had quadrupled in the initial months of 2026. He also mentioned that Russian exports to Oman had grown tenfold. The growth has been supported by Russian investments in Oman’s energy, logistics, and food security sectors. Business connections are further strengthening through entities like the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Expansion of Meat and Grain Trade Deepens Ties
The trade relationship now extends far beyond oil and gas, encompassing agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russia initiated its first major shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. As incomes and population numbers grow in Oman, demand for meat—particularly poultry—is rising. Poultry consumption in Oman is expected to reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026, with leading Russian producers planning to increase their market share.
Oman is targeting 70% food self-sufficiency, and its agricultural sector is projected to be valued at $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, a key exporter of grains, poultry, and processed foods, is well-positioned to meet this demand. In the energy sector, opportunities exist for cooperation in liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, and oil-field services. Additionally, Oman’s green hydrogen initiatives could attract Russian expertise in ammonia manufacturing. In 2025, Oman’s foreign trade totaled 40.4 billion rials.
Muscat Becomes 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 like Sovconflot and FESCO have re-flagged to Oman.
An increasing number of Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by simplified corporate regulations and special economic zones. Ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat offer competitive infrastructure. The visa-free travel regime introduced in July 2025 has further facilitated movement between the two nations. Oman’s ongoing economic reforms under Oman Vision 2040 continue to attract foreign investment. Shoigu expressed confidence that bilateral trade could reach new heights in the near future.