China becomes Maldives’ largest import source as imports rise 32%

China emerged as the Maldives’ largest source of imports during the first nine months of 2026, with imports from the country rising 32.2% year-on-year to USD 503.9 million.

Imports from China stood at USD 381.1 million during the corresponding period of 2025, according to data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).

India ranked as the second-largest source, with imports increasing 12.4% from USD 401.8 million to USD 451.6 million between January and September.

Imports from the United Arab Emirates, which was the Maldives’ largest import source in 2025, fell sharply during the period. Imports from the UAE declined 42.6% from USD 516.7 million to USD 296.5 million.

Malaysia also recorded strong growth, with imports increasing 73.2% to USD 232.4 million from USD 134.2 million a year earlier.

Overall, the Maldives imported goods worth USD 3.35 billion during the first nine months of 2026, up 27.8% from USD 2.62 billion during the same period last year.

The increase was driven partly by higher spending on petroleum products and food, with MMA data showing total imports in September alone were 33.9% higher than a year earlier.

China’s growing share of Maldivian imports comes after the China–Maldives Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 1 January 2025. The agreement provides preferential market access for goods traded between the two countries.

China was the Maldives’ second-largest import source in 2025, supplying goods worth USD 532.3 million over the year, behind the UAE at USD 645 million. India supplied USD 531.1 million worth of goods during the year.