The Maldives generated USD 22.76 million in revenue from imports and exports in March, according to statistics released by the Maldives Customs Service, reflecting a modest increase compared with USD 22.69 million recorded during the same month last year. The latest figures indicate continued momentum in the country’s trade activity, supported by rising import volumes, sustained demand for essential goods, and steady export performance in the fisheries sector.
Customs data showed that total imports in March reached USD 369.6 million, marking a notable increase from USD 285.4 million in March of the previous year. The rise highlights the strength of domestic demand and the scale of commercial activity supporting the Maldivian economy, including the supply needs of households, businesses, infrastructure projects, tourism establishments, and service industries across the country. As an island nation that depends significantly on imported goods to meet domestic and industrial requirements, the Maldives continues to maintain active trade links with key regional and international partners.
Oil products accounted for the largest share of imports during the month, valued at USD 103.76 million, underlining the importance of fuel and energy supplies to transport, utility services, and economic operations nationwide. Food items ranked as the second-largest import category at USD 68.1 million, reflecting continued demand for essential consumer goods and supplies for the hospitality and retail sectors. Machinery and mechanical equipment followed at USD 62.2 million, suggesting ongoing investment in operational capacity, construction-related needs, and technical development across multiple sectors of the economy.
Among the Maldives’ leading import partners in March, Oman emerged as the top source country with imports valued at USD 84.3 million. China followed with USD 57.4 million, while India accounted for USD 52.3 million. The United Arab Emirates contributed USD 33.3 million in imports, and Singapore was recorded at USD 25.4 million. These figures illustrate the Maldives’ broad trade network and the strategic importance of its commercial relationships with major regional suppliers, helping ensure continuity in the flow of fuel, food, equipment, and other critical goods.
On the export side, total exports in March were recorded at USD 5.38 million. Fisheries products continued to dominate the country’s export basket, reaffirming the long-standing importance of the sector to the Maldivian economy. Canned fish accounted for the largest portion of export earnings at USD 3.31 million, while raw fish exports were valued at USD 520,000. The figures reflect continued international demand for Maldivian fish products and the role of the fisheries industry as one of the country’s most established export sectors.
The United Kingdom was the top destination for Maldivian exports in March, receiving goods valued at USD 2.92 million. India followed at USD 520,000, while Germany accounted for USD 390,000. France and Costa Rica each recorded imports from the Maldives worth USD 320,000. The spread of export destinations demonstrates the international reach of Maldivian products, particularly within competitive overseas markets that value quality seafood exports from the Indian Ocean nation.
Customs also reported continued maritime activity during the month, with 168 vessels arriving in the Maldives and 177 vessels departing. The vessel movements reflect the country’s active shipping and logistics environment, which remains essential to sustaining trade flows, ensuring supply chain continuity, and supporting business operations across the islands.
The March figures present a positive picture of the Maldives’ external trade performance, with improved revenue, stronger imports, and stable export earnings contributing to broader economic activity. The data also underscores the country’s continued integration with regional and global trade networks, reinforcing confidence in the resilience of the Maldivian economy and its capacity to support growth across key sectors.
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