MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Bilateral commerce between Russia and Oman hit $1.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, marking its highest level in ten years, according to Sergei Shoigu. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council stated that trade had surged 22-fold in 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 confirmed these figures.
Shoigu expressed optimism about the potential for both nations to capitalize on this momentum and achieve new records in bilateral trade. The upward trajectory follows a consistent growth pattern that started in 2020. Over the four-year span ending in 2024, trade increased by 62.3%, and this positive trend persisted through 2025 and into 2026. Details of the security discussions between Shoigu and Al-Kindi were not disclosed.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted that bilateral trade had quadrupled in the early months of 2026. He also mentioned that Russian exports to Oman had expanded tenfold. Investment by Russia in Oman’s energy, logistics, and food security sectors has played a significant role in this growth. Additionally, business collaborations are expanding through entities like the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Growth in Meat and Grain Trade Strengthens Relations
The trade composition now extends far beyond oil and gas, encompassing agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food commodities. Russia initiated its first large-scale shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman in 2025. Rising incomes and demographic growth are boosting Omani demand for meat, especially poultry. In 2026, poultry consumption in Oman is expected to reach 102,000 metric tonnes, with major Russian producers aiming to enhance their market presence.
Oman targets achieving 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agriculture sector projected to be worth $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, known for exporting grain, poultry, and processed foods, is well-positioned to meet this demand. In the energy sector, cooperation opportunities exist in liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, and oil-field services. Oman’s plans for green hydrogen could also benefit from Russian expertise in ammonia production. In 2025, Oman’s foreign trade totaled 40.4 billion rials.
Muscat Gaining Significance as a Center for Russian Enterprises
Moscow considers Oman a strategic gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, linking Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has described the connection between Russian and Omani ports as highly promising for this route. He also emphasized Oman’s strategic position for accessing other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Over 30 ships previously registered to Russian firms like Sovcomflot 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 draw foreign investment. Shoigu indicated that bilateral trade could reach new heights in the near future.