Bananas market in Oman

Earlier Report Observations

The banana market in Oman expanded from 59 150 tons in 2018 to 70 141 tons in 2021, driven primarily by rising imports which offset stable domestic production of around 18 000 tons annually. A minor dip to 63 126 tons occurred in 2020, but the market rebounded strongly the following year.

In 2022, the market contracted sharply to 41 000 tons—a 41% decline—due to a more than halving of import volumes. By 2023, the market stabilized at 40 015 tons, with imports remaining low and local production holding steady.

During 2024, Oman's Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources continued a project to collect and genetically characterize 126 local banana varieties, aiming to bolster domestic production. Additionally, the central wholesale market 'Sallal' for fruits and vegetables, equipped with modern technology, was approaching its opening in the second quarter, intended to enhance distribution efficiency. Shifts in consumer preferences toward healthy snacks like dried bananas also emerged.

Production bananas in Oman

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of bananas, 2017-2020

World map of production of bananas, 2017-2020

In 2019, Oman's banana production reached its highest level at 18 447 tonnes. This was followed by a virtually unchanged output of 18 447 tonnes in 2020 compared to the previous year. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 18 265 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 0.7% decrease, while the most significant increase was in 2019 with a 1.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Oman in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports bananas from Oman

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, banana deliveries from Oman amounted to 851 tonnes, marking a limited gain of 5.6% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 877 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.1% decrease, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 202.5% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Oman in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Jordan and Qatar were the dominant buyers of bananas from Oman, together accounting for 86.6% of total exports in volume, with other partners playing a less significant role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Oman in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exported banana volumes from Oman totalled 497 thousand US dollars, representing a strong decrease of 19.5% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 618 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 120.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Oman in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Jordan and Qatar were the dominant buyers of bananas from Oman, together accounting for 87.1% of total exports in value terms, with other partners forming a less significant background.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Oman in value, 2017-2020

Imports bananas to Oman

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, Oman's banana import volume declined. In 2020, import volume totalled 45 531 tonnes, representing a modest decline of 3.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 22.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 47 245 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 13.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Oman in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India (49.6% of imports in volume), the Philippines (27.3% of imports in volume), and the United Arab Emirates (20.2% of imports in volume) remained the key partners, together accounting for 97.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Oman in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported banana volumes in Oman increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Oman imported approximately 14 672 thousand US dollars of bananas, representing a small gain of 1.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 24.8%, equating to a 7.7% annualized growth rate.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Oman in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, India (40.5% of imports in value terms), the Philippines (29.5% of imports in value terms), and the United Arab Emirates (26.3% of imports in value terms) consistently occupied leading positions, jointly accounting for 96.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Oman in value, 2017-2020