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

The total imports to the Maldives in December 2022 rose by 27%, reports the Maldives Customs Service. Maldives imported MVR5.6 billion worth of commodities in the review month.

Additionally, imports excluding fuel rose by 24% as well, which is MVR4.6 billion worth of goods.

According to the authority’s recent update, apart from a significant rise in the total imports, the exports increased by 35% in the review month. Maldives exported MVR299 million worth of commodities in December.

Despite significant improvement in imports for the month, Customs revenue declined by 2%; which is MVR356 million. Royalties collected in December 2022 stood at MVR1.2 billion.

Major Importing 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 & parts thereof: MVR848 million
4. Machinery & mechanical appliance; electrical: MVR828 million
5. Base metal and articles of base metal: MVR372 million

Major Importing 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 Exported Categories

1. Skipjack tuna; stripe-bellied bonito (frozen): MVR188 million
2. Skipjack tuna (prepared or processed): 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 Exported 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%

Customs reported a total of 123 vessel arrivals and 115 departures in the review month.