The Maldives recorded more than USD 21 million in trade-related revenue in December, reflecting sustained commercial activity at the close of the year, according to figures released by the Maldives Customs Service.
Official statistics show that total imports for the month reached USD 343.7 million. Food products represented the largest share at USD 73.9 million. Machinery and electrical equipment followed at USD 64.3 million, while fuel imports amounted to USD 57.7 million. Other key categories included chemicals (USD 19.5 million), construction gravel (USD 8.8 million), and vehicles (USD 5.3 million).
In terms of sourcing, China was the leading supplier, accounting for USD 61.2 million worth of goods. Oman ranked next with USD 49.7 million, while the United Arab Emirates contributed USD 44.6 million in imports.
Exports generated USD 13.2 million during the month, driven predominantly by the fisheries sector. Chilled seafood brought in USD 5.8 million, with additional revenue coming from canned seafood, chilled yellowfin tuna, and other processed fish products.
Thailand emerged as the principal export market, purchasing USD 7.8 million worth of Maldivian goods. Other notable destinations included the United Kingdom (USD 2.1 million), France (USD 518,806), Bangladesh (USD 453,955), and India (USD 389,105).
Maritime activity also showed an uptick. Customs recorded 143 vessel arrivals and 174 departures in December, marking a clear increase compared to the 120 vessel movements registered in the same period of the previous year.
