Maldives Customs Service has revealed the value of goods imported during June has increased by 3% in May 2018 compared to the same month of last year. Approximately goods worth over USD 220 million were imported in May 2017, whereas the figure was recorded at over USD 227 million this year, according to statistics of Maldives Customs Service. Among the top importing countries, China recorded as the highest with 19%, followed by Singapore with 17% and the UAE with 14%, revealed Customs Service.
Furthermore, according to the latest monthly statistics, the total revenue collected through customs duty and other fees and fines showed a decrease of 10% compared to that of May 2017. In this regard, almost USD 14 million was collected through customs duty last month whereas in May 2017 the amount was recorded at USD 15.5 million, statistics showed.
Moreover, the value of goods exported last month showed a decrease of 38% compared to the same period of last year. Customs revealed goods valued USD 13 million were exported in May 2018, while the figure was recorded at USD 21 million in May last year.
Fish being the major category of exports, the monthly statistics revealed the major chunk was exported to Thailand which is 38% of the total export figure for the month, whereas 14% were exported to Germany, 11% to France and 6% to the U.S.