Maldives’ July trade data shows a widening gap between imports and exports, underscoring the country’s reliance on foreign goods and fuel. Imports reached MVR 4.5 billion, while exports totalled just MVR 210 million.
Fuel remained the top import at MVR 923 million, followed by food items (MVR 859 million). Other notable categories included base metals (MVR 380 million), chemical products (MVR 308 million), and mineral products (MVR 241 million).
Fisheries dominated exports. Frozen skipjack tuna accounted for MVR 126 million, over half of total earnings, while prepared skipjack tuna added MVR 43 million. Smaller contributions came from yellowfin tuna and fish by-products.
China and India were the largest import sources, each supplying over MVR 700 million. The UAE, Oman, and Singapore followed. On the export side, Thailand remained the top destination, purchasing 53% of Maldivian goods (MVR 111 million). The UK, Mauritius, France, and Vietnam also ranked among key buyers.
Customs revenue reached MVR 295 million, alongside MVR 1 million in royalties. Vessel arrivals rose to 105 from 97 a year earlier, though departures fell to 96 from 118. Declarations increased slightly to 21,919.
Overall, July’s figures, as usual, highlight the Maldives’ structural trade imbalance, characterised by a heavy dependence on imports and modest export earnings, reinforcing the need to diversify exports and build economic resilience.
