MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, announced that trade between Russia and Oman surged 22 times during the first seven months of 2026, reaching a total of $1.5 billion. He shared this information on Tuesday, October 20, during a meeting in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, the Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Shoigu highlighted that this figure represents the highest total in the past decade. The information was reported by Interfax news agency.
“We have every opportunity to build on this positive momentum and reach new record levels in our bilateral trade,” Shoigu stated. A 22-fold increase corresponds to an increase of over 2,000% compared to the same period last year. Interfax did not provide additional details about the discussions between the two security officials. The meeting underscores a year marked by frequent economic exchanges between Moscow and Muscat.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted that bilateral trade had quadrupled in the initial months of 2026. He also mentioned that Russian exports to Oman increased tenfold during the same period. Over the four years from 2020 to 2024, trade had already grown by 62.3%. Russian investments in Omani sectors such as energy, logistics, and food security have contributed to this trend. Growth in private-sector connections is also evident through institutions like the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Food and energy sectors expand trade partnerships
Trade relations now extend beyond hydrocarbons to include agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food. Russia’s initial large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman began in 2025. The rising demand for meat in Oman is driven by population growth and increased income levels, with a strong preference for poultry. Domestic poultry consumption in Oman is expected to reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026, with leading Russian producers planning to expand their market presence.
Oman aims for 70% food self-sufficiency, and its agriculture sector is projected to reach a value of $2.86 billion by 2030. As one of the top global exporters of grain, poultry, and processed foods, Russia is well-positioned to meet this demand and supply farm machinery. Energy cooperation includes liquefied natural gas technologies, petrochemical supply chains, and oil-field equipment. Additionally, Oman’s investments in green hydrogen may attract Russian expertise in ammonia production. In 2025, Oman’s total foreign trade was valued at 40.4 billion rials.
Russian shipping increasingly utilizes Oman’s ports
Oman is considered a southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin described the link between Russian and Omani ports as highly promising for the route, emphasizing Oman’s strategic position as a hub for reaching other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Over 30 ships formerly registered to Russian companies, including Sovcomflot and FESCO, have re-flagged to Oman.
Russian companies are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by simplified corporate regulations and the country’s special economic zones. Ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat provide competitive infrastructure for traders. A visa-free arrangement between Russia and Oman, implemented in July 2025, has supported tourism and business exchanges. Oman’s reforms under Oman Vision 2040 have further enhanced its attractiveness for foreign investors. Shoigu expressed optimism that both nations could set new trade records in the near future.