Oman's imports of vegetables and fruits sees significant increase 

Oman Tuesday 13/August/2024 12:53 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman's imports of vegetables and fruits sees significant increase 

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman's imports of vegetables and fruits increased by 11.6% in value between May 2023 and May 2024, reaching over OMR 110 million.

Vegetable imports saw a significant 44.9% increase in value, while fruit imports slightly declined by 2.5%. The UAE and Yemen were the primary sources for both vegetable and fruit imports. Oman's fruit and vegetable exports also grew, with a notable 40.1% increase in fruit exports. Re-exports of vegetables decreased, while fruit re-exports saw a significant uptick.

Imports:

The substantial rise in vegetable imports was the primary driver of the overall import growth.

The UAE and Yemen were dominant suppliers for both vegetables and fruits.

While not the top supplier, India was a significant contributor to both vegetable and fruit imports.

Exports:

 A 40.1% increase in fruit exports is noteworthy, indicating growing domestic production or re-packaging for export.

Qatar and UAE were the primary destinations for Oman's fruit exports.

Vegetable Exports while also increasing, the growth was less pronounced compared to fruits.

Implications

Growing Domestic Demand: The increase in imports suggests rising domestic consumption of fruits and vegetables in Oman.

Export Potential: The growth in fruit exports indicates opportunities for Oman to expand its presence in international markets.

Supply Chain Reliance: The dependence on the UAE and Yemen for imports highlights potential supply chain vulnerabilities.

Market Diversification: Oman could benefit from diversifying its import sources and export destinations.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the fruit and vegetable sector in Oman, additional data on production, consumption, prices, and government policies would be valuable. Analyzing trends over a longer period can also provide insights into the sustainability and growth potential of the sector.