Value of goods through Sharjah-Oman logistics corridor jumps 66% in three months

The value of goods passing through the Sharjah-Oman logistics corridor has surged more than 66% in the first three months of operation, as businesses seek to evade the dangerous Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing hostilities in the Iran war. Since its launch on May 17, the corridor has facilitated trade worth Dh1.7 billion ($463.21 million).

Established by Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority in collaboration with Oman Customs, the corridor exemplifies an "integrated sea-land logistics model that enhances trade flows and boosts supply chain efficiency." Sharjah Customs explained that the initiative provides importers, exporters, freight companies, and logistics providers with "more flexible and competitive logistics solutions."

With Iran's war now in its seventh month, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route, remains largely impassable due to continual Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. This blockade has further disrupted global oil and gas trade and supply chains. To bypass the strait, heavy goods vehicles are increasingly utilized in the UAE to transport items ranging from grocery essentials to industrial commodities from Oman and Saudi Arabia to Omani ports.

During the inaugural quarter of the corridor's existence, over 34,000 heavy goods vehicles utilized the route, while more than 32,000 processed customs declarations were handled. Connecting cargo flows between Sharjah, Oman, and other UAE ports with Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah ports in Oman, the corridor offers businesses multiple shipping options.

By shortening the end-to-end cargo journey, reducing handling stages, and enhancing logistics efficiency, the interconnection between the two regions facilitates smoother trade operations. Sharjah Customs Director Mohammed Al Raisi stated that the early success of the corridor underscores the project's promise, noting that the combination of increased trade volume and new customers joining the ecosystem within a short timeframe reflects strong demand for the corridor's integrated logistics services.