The Sultanate of Oman observed an 11.6% increase in the value of fruit and vegetable imports, reaching over OMR 110 million between May 2023 and May 2024. The surge in vegetable imports, which marked a 44.9% rise, contrasted with a slight 2.5% decline in fruit imports. The UAE and Yemen emerged as the key suppliers for Oman's imports in this sector. Concurrently, Oman's fruit exports experienced a 40.1% growth, while re-exports of vegetables diminished and fruit re-exports significantly increased.
Imports from the UAE and Yemen played a crucial role in this growth, with India also contributing to the import volume. On the export front, a notable increase in fruit exports, primarily to Qatar and the UAE, underscored the sector's expansion. This trend points to a rising domestic demand for fruits and vegetables and highlights Oman's potential to further penetrate international markets. However, the reliance on a few countries for imports underlines the need for market diversification and a closer examination of supply chain resilience.
To fully understand the dynamics of Oman's fruit and vegetable sector, further analysis encompassing production, consumption, pricing, and policy landscape is essential. Such an examination could reveal long-term trends and opportunities for sustainable growth in the sector.
Source: timesofoman.com