The latest update by Maldives Customs Service revealed total imports to the state for September 2022 increased by 27%, which amounts to MVR4.4 billion (including fuel).
Moreover, imports excluding fuel rose by 25% which translates to MVR3.5 billion.
Despite significant increment in imports, exports showed a decline. Customs confirmed exports declined by 4%, which amounts to MVR166 million.
Major import categories;
- Fuel (marine gas oil – diesel, petrol, aviation gas) – MVR958 million
- Food items (excluding pork, alcohol, tobacco) – MVR773 million
- Machinery & mechanical appliance; electrical – MVR738 million
- Base metal and articles of base metal – MVR449 million
- Products of the chemical or allied industries – MVR229 million
Major export commodities;
- Skipjack tuna (stripe bellied bonito – frozen) – MVR95 million
- Skipjack tuna (prepared or preserved) – MVR33 million
- Yellowfin tuna (frozen) – MVR8 million
- Flours, meals and pallets of fish fit for human consumption – MVR6 million
- Yellowfin tuna chunk (fresh of chilled) – MVR5 million
Major importing countries;
- Oman – MVR794 million (18% of total imports)
- India – MVR627 million (14% of total imports)
- China – MVR525 million (12% of total imports)
- UAE – MVR438 million (10% of total imports)
- Singapore – MVR392 million (9% of total imports)
Major exporting countries;
- Thailand – MVR84 million (51% of total exports)
- Germany – MVR18 million (11% of total exports)
- UK – MVR11 million (7% of total exports)
- Spain – MVR8 million (5% of total exports)
- France – MVR8 million (5% of total exports)
According to Customs records, a total of 88 vessel arrivals were recorded with 92 vessel departures.