Maldives Customs Service has revealed that the import-export revenue for September has increased compared to the same period last year, resulting in a 27% increase in value.
Imports of goods stood at USD226 million in September last year compared to USD284 million in the same month this year which is recorded as a 27% increase, as per statistics. Oman, India, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Singapore were the biggest contributors to imports. As such, USD51 million in goods were imported from Oman, while USD40 million in goods were imported from India, USD33 million were imported from China, USD28 million were imported from the UAE, and USD25 million were imported from Singapore.
Although imports increased, the number of exports declined in September. Goods worth USD11 were exported from the Maldives in September last year while goods worth USD10 million were exported in September this year which is a 4% decline, as per statistics. The Maldives exported the highest number of goods to Thailand, Germany, the United Kingdom (UK), Spain, and France. As such, 51% of exports were to Thailand, 11% of exports were to Germany and 7% of exports were to the UK. Among the most exported items include various frozen fish products.
The statistics showed that revenue collected increased by 25% due to the increase in import and export value. As such, customs collected USD18 million in September last year while the amount increased to USD22 million in September this year. The statistics also revealed that 88 vessels had arrived with goods in the Maldives and 82 vessels had departed in September.