MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced that trade between Russia and Oman surged 22-fold during the first seven months of 2026, reaching a total of $1.5 billion. He disclosed 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 figure represents the highest level recorded 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 equates 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 interactions between Moscow and Muscat.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov reported that bilateral trade had quadrupled in the initial months of 2026. He added that Russian exports to Oman increased tenfold during the same timeframe. Trade had already grown by 62.3% over the four-year span from 2020 to 2024. Russian investments in Omani projects related to energy, logistics, and food security have contributed to this trend. 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 expand trade base
Today, trade between Russia and Oman extends beyond hydrocarbons to include agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and foodstuffs. Russia began shipping large quantities of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. Rising Omani demand for meat stems from population growth and higher income levels, with poultry being particularly favored. Domestic poultry consumption in Oman is expected to reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026. Leading Russian producers are planning to increase their market presence.
Oman aims for 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agriculture sector projected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, as a leading exporter of grain, poultry, and processed foods, can meet this demand and supply farm machinery. Energy cooperation includes liquefied natural gas technologies, petrochemical supply chains, and oil-field equipment. Oman’s investment in green hydrogen may also attract Russian expertise in ammonia. In 2025, Oman’s total foreign trade was valued at 40.4 billion rials.
Russian shipping increasingly utilizes Oman’s ports
Oman is seen by Russia as a strategic 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 port connection between Russia and Oman as highly promising for this route. He also emphasized Oman’s strategic position as a base for accessing 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 special economic zones. Ports such as Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat provide competitive infrastructure for traders. Since a visa-free regime was introduced in July 2025, tourism and business travel between the two nations have increased. Oman’s reforms under Oman Vision 2040 further enhance its appeal to foreign investors. Shoigu expressed optimism that both countries could set new trade records in the near future.