Imports to the Maldives increased by 18% in February 2023, according to the Maldives Customs Service.
The total imports to the country during the review month stood at MVR4.2 billion, including fuel. Total imports rose by 20% excluding fuel, which is MVR3.3 billion. However, exports observed a mild drop of 0.9% which is MVR231 million of export commodities.
Despite the moderate increment of imports, the customs revenue saw a noticeable albeit slight 8% decline in revenues. Customs authority reported MVR301 million in revenues for the review month.
Major Importing Categories
- Fuel/Marine Gas Oil (diesel, petrol, aviation gas): MVR946 million
- Food Items (excluding pork, alcohol, tobacco): MVR854 million
- Machinery and Mechanical Appliance (electrical): MVR757 million
- Base Metal and Articles of Base Metal: MVR315 million
- Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries: MVR230 million
Major Importing Countries
- India: 16% | MVR675 million
- Oman: 15% | MVR642 million
- Singapore: 14% | MVR571 million
- UAE: 11% | MVR480 million
- China: 11% | MVR471 million
Major Exported Categories
- Skipjack Tuna – Stripe-Bellied Bonito (frozen): MVR114 million
- Skipjack Tuna (prepared or preserved): MVR50 million
- Yellowfin Tuna (fresh or chilled): MVR14 million
- Yellowfin Tuna Chunk (fresh or chilled): MVR12 million
- Yellowfin Tuna (frozen): MVR10 million
Major Exporting Countries
- Thailand: 50% | MVR116 million
- UK: 18% | MVR41 million
- Germany: 4% | MVR10 million
- France: 4% | MVR9 million
- USA: 3% | MVR8 million
Vessel movements during February 2023 observed a significant decline. The Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) had catered the arrival of only two vessels, and similarly the departure of two vessels in the review month.