MOSCOW, Russia / RankWire.AI / – The volume of trade between Russia and Oman surged by 22 times in the first seven months of 2026, reaching $1.5 billion, according to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. During a meeting in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council, Shoigu disclosed these figures on Tuesday, October 20. He highlighted that this total marks the highest level recorded in the past decade. The information was reported by Interfax news agency.
Shoigu expressed optimism about continuing this upward trend, stating, “We have every opportunity to build on this positive momentum and reach new record levels in our bilateral trade.” The 22-fold increase translates to a growth of over 2,000% compared to the same period a year earlier. Details regarding the discussions between the two security officials were not provided by Interfax. This meeting adds to a year marked by frequent economic exchanges between Moscow and Muscat.
In April, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov reported that bilateral trade had quadrupled during the early months of 2026. He also noted that Russian exports to Oman increased tenfold in the same timeframe. Over the four-year span from 2020 to 2024, trade had already grown by 62.3%. Russian investments in Omani energy, logistics, and food security projects have played a significant role in supporting this growth. The expansion is further facilitated by private-sector engagement through entities like the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Roscongress, and the Oman-Russia Business Council.
Food and energy sectors expand trade scope
Trade relations now extend beyond hydrocarbons to include sectors such as agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, IT services, maritime logistics, and food. In 2025, Russia began shipping its first large batches of refrigerated meat to Oman. The rising Omani demand for meat is driven by population growth and increasing income levels, with poultry being particularly preferred. Domestic poultry consumption in Oman is expected to reach 102,000 metric tonnes in 2026. Major Russian producers are planning to strengthen their market presence in response.
Oman aims to achieve 70% food self-sufficiency, with its agriculture market projected to hit $2.86 billion by 2030. As one of the leading global exporters of grain, poultry, and processed foods, Russia is well-positioned to meet this demand and supply farm machinery. Energy cooperation encompasses liquefied natural gas technologies, petrochemical supply chains, and oil-field equipment. Additionally, Oman’s investments in green hydrogen could attract Russian expertise in ammonia. Oman’s total foreign trade was valued at 40.4 billion rials in 2025.
Russian shipping benefits from 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 the route. He also highlighted Oman’s strategic position as a hub 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 enterprises are establishing subsidiaries within Oman, attracted by simplified 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, effective from July 2025, has bolstered tourism and business exchanges. Oman’s reforms under Oman Vision 2040 have further increased its appeal to foreign investors. Shoigu expressed confidence that both countries could set new trade records in the near future.