MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Trade between Russia and Oman reached a total of $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, marking the highest level in ten years, according to Sergei Shoigu. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council stated that trade had increased by 22 times 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 figures.
Shoigu emphasized that both nations possess ample opportunities to build upon this positive trend and establish new records in their bilateral trade relations. This growth follows a consistent expansion that started in 2020. Over the four years leading up 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 have been disclosed.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted that bilateral trade had quadrupled in the initial months of 2026. He also highlighted that Russian exports to Oman had grown tenfold. The expansion has been supported by Russian investments in Oman’s energy, logistics, and food security sectors. Additionally, business connections are broadening through organizations such as the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Growth in Meat and Grain Trade Strengthens Relations
The trade portfolio now extends well beyond oil and gas, encompassing agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. In 2025, Russia initiated its first significant shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. As incomes and population numbers in Oman increase, so does the demand for meat, especially poultry. It is projected that poultry consumption will reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026, with leading Russian producers planning to enhance their presence in this market.
Oman aims for 70% self-sufficiency in food, with its agricultural sector expected to be valued at $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, recognized as a top exporter of grain, poultry, and processed foods, is well-positioned to meet this demand. In energy, both nations see potential cooperation in liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, and oil-field services. Oman’s green hydrogen initiatives could also attract Russian expertise in ammonia production. The Sultanate’s foreign trade reached 40.4 billion rials in 2025.
Muscat as a Strategic Hub for Russian Enterprises
Moscow views Oman as the southern gateway of the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has described the link between Russian and Omani ports as highly promising for the route, emphasizing Oman’s strategic position for accessing other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. More than 30 ships previously registered under Russian companies, including Sovcomflot and FESCO, have re-flagged to Oman.
An increasing number of Russian firms are establishing subsidiaries in Oman, attracted by simplified corporate regulations and special economic zones. The ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat offer competitive infrastructure options. The visa-free regime introduced in July 2025 has further facilitated travel between the two nations. Oman’s ongoing economic reforms under Oman Vision 2040 continue to draw foreign investment. Shoigu stated that both countries could achieve new milestones in their bilateral trade relationship.