Sohar Freezone

Sohar Freezone
SOHAR Port and Freezone

Sohar Port is located close to major shipping lanes in the Arabian Gulf, making it a prime hub for trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is strategically positioned outside the congested Strait of Hormuz, offering quicker access and reduced transit times for shipments.

Oman offers competitive operating costs compared to other regional ports, including lower port handling charges and logistical expenses. It is connected with an integrated road and rail network, enabling seamless transportation within Oman and to neighboring GCC countries.

Sohar Freezone benefits from Oman’s strategic Free Trade Agreements with key global partners, including the U.S., GCC, Singapore, and EFTA countries, as well as regional agreements like PAFTA. Companies operating in Sohar Freezone can leverage these agreements to reduce tariffs, enhance market access, and improve trade efficiency when exporting to or importing from these regions

  • GCC Free Trade Agreement

Oman, as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participates in a unified customs agreement among GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain). Goods produced in Sohar Freezone and exported to GCC markets benefit from zero customs duties, provided they meet rules of origin (minimum GCC content requirements).

  • Oman–United States Free Trade Agreement (US-Oman FTA)

Signed in 2009, this FTA eliminates tariffs on most goods traded between Oman and the United States. International companies operating in Sohar Freezone can export qualifying goods to the U.S. duty-free, offering significant cost savings.

  • Oman–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (OSFTA)

Signed in 2008, this agreement facilitates trade between Oman and Singapore. It eliminates or reduces tariffs on goods, benefiting companies in Sohar Freezone exporting to Singapore.

  • Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA)

Oman is part of PAFTA, a regional FTA between Arab League countries (including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc.). Goods manufactured in Sohar Freezone and meeting PAFTA requirements can be exported duty-free to participating countries.

  • Oman–EFTA Agreement

Oman has a Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This agreement facilitates duty-free or preferential trade for goods produced in Oman and exported to these countries.

Sohar Freezone