MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – According to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, trade between Russia and Oman surged 22-fold during the first seven months of 2026, reaching a total of $1.5 billion. He announced these figures on Tuesday, October 20, during a meeting in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Shoigu highlighted that this was the highest total in the past decade. The information was reported by Interfax news agency.
Shoigu expressed optimism about sustaining this momentum, stating, “We have every opportunity to build on this positive momentum and reach new record levels in our bilateral trade.” The 22-fold increase represents more than 2,000% growth compared to the same period last year. Further details about the discussions between the two security officials were not provided by Interfax. 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 timeframe. From 2020 to 2024, trade grew by 62.3%. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security initiatives have played a significant role in this trend. Additionally, private-sector collaborations are expanding through entities like the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Food and energy sectors diversify bilateral trade
Trade relations now extend beyond hydrocarbons to include agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food products. In 2025, Russia initiated its first major shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. Rising Omani demand for meat, driven by population growth and increased income levels, shows 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 to achieve 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agriculture sector projected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030. As a prominent exporter 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. Oman’s green hydrogen investments could also attract Russian expertise in ammonia. In 2025, Oman’s total foreign trade was valued at 40.4 billion rials.
Oman’s ports attract Russian maritime activity
Oman is viewed by Russia as a strategic southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has characterized the port connection between Russia and Oman as highly promising for this route. He also emphasized Oman’s strategic position as a hub for accessing other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Over 30 ships previously registered to Russian companies, including Sovconflot and FESCO, have re-flagged to Oman.
Russian companies are also establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by streamlined corporate regulations and special economic zones. Ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat offer competitive infrastructure for traders. A visa-free travel agreement between the two nations took effect in July 2025, boosting tourism and business exchanges. Oman’s reforms under Oman Vision 2040 have further enhanced its attractiveness to foreign investors. Shoigu expressed confidence that both countries could set new records in trade in the near future.