The Maldives Customs Service collected MVR 351 million in state revenue from import and export activities in March. The figure shows a marginal rise from the MVR 350 million recorded in the same month last year.
Import activity drove much of the trade volume. Maldives customs revenue data shows that imports reached MVR 5.7 billion in March, a sharp jump from the MVR 4.4 billion logged in March of the previous year. The surge reflects stronger demand across fuel, food, and industrial goods.
Fuel products topped the import list at MVR 1.60 billion. Food items followed at MVR 1.05 billion. Machinery and mechanical appliances ranked third, with imports totaling MVR 959 million. Together, these three categories formed the bulk of the country’s inbound trade.
Oman emerged as the top source of imports, supplying goods worth MVR 1.3 billion. China came across second at MVR 885 million, and India followed with MVR 806 million. The UAE contributed MVR 514 million, while Singapore rounded out the top five with MVR 392 million.
Export figures told a quieter story. The Maldives shipped out goods worth MVR 83 million during the month. Canned fish dominated the export basket at MVR 51 million, and raw fish exports added another MVR 8 million. Fisheries continue to anchor the country’s export economy.
The United Kingdom led as the top export destination, receiving Maldivian goods valued at MVR 45 million. India followed at MVR 8 million, Germany at MVR 6 million, and France and Costa Rica each took in MVR 5 million worth of exports.
Maritime traffic remained active throughout March. Port records showed 168 vessels arrived in the Maldives, while 177 vessels departed. The latest Maldives customs revenue report highlights steady trade flows and confirms the country’s continued reliance on imports to meet domestic demand.