Imports to Maldives increase by 27%, exports by 35% in December 2022

Imports to the Maldives increased by 27% in December 2022, reports the Maldives Customs Service. Maldives imported MVR5.6 billion worth of commodities in the review month.

In addition to this, imports excluding fuel rose by 24%; which is MVR4.6 billion worth of goods.

Exports from the country also saw a notable 35% increase in the review month. The country exported MVR299 million worth of commodities in December.

Major Import Categories

1. Fuel (marine gas oil; diesel, petrol, aviation gas): MVR1.1 billion
2. Food items (excluding pork, alcohol, tobacco): MVR1 billion
3. Vessels, aircraft and parts thereof: MVR848 million
4. Machinery and mechanical appliance; electrical: MVR828 million
5. Base metal and articles of base metal: MVR372 million

Major Import Countries

1. France: MVR766 million (14%)
2. Oman: MVR754 million (13%)
3. India: MVR724 million (13%)
4. Singapore: MVR694 million (12%)
5. China: MVR532 million (9%)

Major Export Categories

1. Skipjack tuna; stripe-bellied bonito (frozen): MVR188 million
2. Skipjack tuna (prepared or preserved): MVR35 million
3. Yellowfin tuna (frozen): MVR17 million
4. Yellowfin tuna (fresh or chilled): MVR16 million
5. Yellowfin tuna chunk (fresh or chilled): MVR12 million

Major Export Countries

1. Thailand: MVR199 million (66%)
2. Germany: MVR20 million (7%)
3. UK: MVR14 million (5%)
4. USA: MVR9 million (3%)
5. France: MVR9 million (3%)

Despite strong improvements in imports, Customs revenue saw a 2% decline. The revenues in December stood at MVR356 million. Customs also collected MVR1.2 million in royalties.

Customs reported 123 vessel arrivals and 115 departures in December.