ع
The National Centre for Statistics and Information reported that the trade balance between Oman and China showed a surplus of RO 5.7 billion in favour of Oman during 2025 when total trade reached RO 9.6 billion. Omani exports to China amounted to approximately RO 7.7 billion while imports from China stood at about RO 1.9 billion that year. Preliminary statistics for the first seven months of 2026 placed total trade at RO 5.4 billion with Omani exports to China at RO 3.9 billion and imports at RO 1.4 billion, the Oman Observer stated on October 31, 2026.
Imports from China accounted for 13.73 per cent of Oman’s total commodity imports in the period covered by the preliminary data. The figures confirm that China remains Oman’s largest trading partner and that Oman ranks as China’s fourth-largest trading partner among Arab countries. Oman’s principal exports to its Asian partner consist of crude oil, liquefied natural gas and certain petroleum, petrochemical and chemical products, according to the statistics centre.
The range of imports from China encompasses machinery, equipment and electrical appliances in addition to batteries, iron and steel products, construction materials, solar cells, technology products, textiles and vehicles with their components. A related report in the Oman Observer placed the 2025 trade value at more than $25 billion. The National Centre for Statistics and Information compiled the detailed breakdown as part of its regular economic reporting.
Chinese direct investment in Oman has continued to expand, increasing from RO 798.1 million in 2024 to RO 866.2 million in 2025 before reaching RO 903.8 million by the end of the second quarter of 2026. The Oman Observer indicated that this investment growth occurs within a broader framework of agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries. That framework has laid the foundation for joint cooperation and expanded partnership opportunities in numerous sectors.
Relations between the Sultanate and the People’s Republic of China date back to the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1978 with the announcement of a strategic partnership coming in 2018, a separate Oman Observer article on the recent state visit recalled. His Majesty’s visit to China in late October 2026 has created additional scope for economic cooperation and further Chinese investment into Omani projects. The discussions emphasised sectors such as industry, renewable energy, green hydrogen, technology and logistics, according to the newspaper.
The Special Economic Zone of Duqm provides a prominent model of the economic partnership, hosting the China-Oman Industrial City along with various industrial and logistics projects. Omani authorities have actively promoted investment opportunities in green industries, technology, chemicals and energy to Chinese partners. The National Centre for Statistics and Information data shows the momentum in bilateral economic indicators over recent years.
