MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – Trade between Russia and Oman grew 22-fold in the first seven months of 2026 to reach $1.5 billion, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said. He gave the figures on Tuesday, October 20, during a meeting in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. Shoigu said the total was the highest recorded in the last 10 years. The remarks were 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 said. A 22-fold rise is equal to an increase of more than 2,000% on the same period a year earlier. Interfax gave no further details of the talks between the two security officials. The meeting adds to a year of frequent economic contacts between Moscow and Muscat.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said bilateral trade had quadrupled in the first months of 2026. Russian exports to Oman rose tenfold over the same period, he said. Trade had already increased 62.3% in the four years from 2020 to 2024. Russian investment in Omani energy, logistics and food security projects has supported the trend. Private-sector links are growing through the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Food and energy broaden the trade base
Trade between the two countries now extends beyond hydrocarbons to agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics and food. Russia’s first large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman began in 2025. Omani demand for meat is rising on population growth and higher incomes, with a strong preference for poultry. Domestic poultry consumption in Oman is projected to reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026. Leading Russian producers plan to expand their presence in the market.
Oman is working toward 70% food self-sufficiency, and its agriculture market is projected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030. Russia, one of the world’s leading exporters of grain, poultry and processed foods, can supply that demand and offer farm machinery. Energy cooperation covers liquefied natural gas technologies, petrochemical supply chains and oil-field equipment. Oman’s investment in green hydrogen could also draw Russian expertise in ammonia. Oman’s total foreign trade was valued at 40.4 billion rials in 2025.
Oman’s ports draw Russian shipping
Russia views Oman as a southern gateway for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which links 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 the route. He has also pointed to Oman’s location as a base for reaching other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. More than 30 ships formerly registered to Russian companies, including Sovcomflot and FESCO, have re-flagged to Oman.
Russian businesses are also registering subsidiaries in Oman, drawn by simplified corporate rules and special economic zones. The ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar and Muscat offer competitive infrastructure for traders. A visa-free regime between the two countries took effect in July 2025, supporting tourism and business travel. Oman’s reforms under Oman Vision 2040 have added to its appeal for foreign investors. Shoigu said both countries could set new trade records in the period ahead.