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
- Fuel (marine gas oil; diesel, petrol, aviation gas): MVR1.1 billion
- Food items (excluding pork, alcohol, tobacco): MVR1 billion
- Vessels, aircraft and parts thereof: MVR848 million
- Machinery and mechanical appliance; electrical: MVR828 million
- Base metal and articles of base metal: MVR372 million
Major Import Countries
- France: MVR766 million (14%)
- Oman: MVR754 million (13%)
- India: MVR724 million (13%)
- Singapore: MVR694 million (12%)
- China: MVR532 million (9%)
Major Export Categories
- Skipjack tuna; stripe-bellied bonito (frozen): MVR188 million
- Skipjack tuna (prepared or preserved): MVR35 million
- Yellowfin tuna (frozen): MVR17 million
- Yellowfin tuna (fresh or chilled): MVR16 million
- Yellowfin tuna chunk (fresh or chilled): MVR12 million
Major Export Countries
- Thailand: MVR199 million (66%)
- Germany: MVR20 million (7%)
- UK: MVR14 million (5%)
- USA: MVR9 million (3%)
- 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.