Maldives’ imports reached MVR 4.7 billion in April 2025, with fuel making up MVR 905 million of the total. Excluding fuel, imports stood at MVR 3.8 billion. While volumes remain strong, the figures hint at a mild slowdown particularly in fuel purchases compared to recent months.
Food was the top import category, with MVR 1.02 billion spent on consumables, excluding pork, alcohol, and tobacco. Machinery and electrical appliances followed at MVR 718 million, with MVR 352 million in base metals and MVR 296 million in chemical products. High-value imports like vehicles, textiles, and electronics held steady.
Exports totalled MVR 292 million, led by fish products. Frozen skipjack tuna brought in MVR 195 million, with preserved skipjack adding MVR 69 million. Yellowfin tuna and fishmeal made smaller contributions.
Thailand remained the Maldives’ leading export partner, accounting for 64% of outbound trade (MVR 186 million). The UK, Egypt, Vietnam, and Switzerland followed with smaller shares. On the import side, the UAE was the top source, contributing MVR 1.33 billion (28%), trailed by India, China, Singapore, and Malaysia.
120 vessels arrived at the Maldives in April, down slightly from 124 last year. Departures also fell to 144, compared to 163 in April 2024. However, processed declarations rose to 22,412, suggesting stronger compliance or increased trade activity despite fewer ship movements.
