Muscat: Between May 2023 and May 2024, the Sultanate of Oman witnessed a notable increase in the value of its imports of vegetables and fruits, rising by 11.6% to surpass a total value of over OMR 110 million.
The value of vegetable imports experienced a significant increase of 44.9%, whereas the value of fruit imports showed a slight decline of 2.5%. The primary sources for both vegetable and fruit imports were the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Concurrently, Oman's exports of fruits and vegetables also saw a notable growth, with a remarkable increase of 40.1% in fruit exports. There was a decrease in the re-exports of vegetables, but a significant increase was observed in the re-exports of fruits.
Imports:
The primary factor contributing to the overall increase in imports was the substantial rise in vegetable imports.
The United Arab Emirates and Yemen were identified as the dominant suppliers for both vegetables and fruits.
Although not the leading supplier, India played a significant role in the importation of both vegetables and fruits.
Exports:
The notable increase of 40.1% in fruit exports is indicative of either an increase in domestic production or re-packaging for export purposes.
The United Arab Emirates and the United Arab Emirates were identified as the primary destinations for Oman's fruit exports.
While there was an increase in vegetable exports as well, the growth was less pronounced compared to that of fruits.
Implications:
Growing Domestic Demand: The surge in imports suggests an increase in domestic consumption of fruits and vegetables in Oman.
Export Potential: The growth in fruit exports signifies opportunities for Oman to expand its presence in the international market.
Supply Chain Reliance: The reliance on the United Arab Emirates and Yemen for imports underscores potential vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
Market Diversification: Oman could benefit from diversifying its sources of import and export destinations.
To achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the fruit and vegetable sector in Oman, it would be beneficial to gather additional data on production, consumption, prices, and government policies. Analyzing trends over an extended period could also provide insights into the sustainability and growth potential of the sector.
