Import increasing steadily since lockdown: MPL

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) stated the number of goods imported to the Maldives has been increasing steadily since the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 last year.

Speaking at a press conference, CEO of MPL Shahid Ali said the COVID-19 pandemic brought a major halt to the port operations in 2020. As such, Shahid noted the number of imported goods decreased 60% last year, compared to 2019. However, he said import has been increasing steadily since last year, noting number of imported goods has increased 80% compared to the lockdown period.

Majority of items currently imported to the Maldives are food items. MPL states port operations have increased significantly ahead of Ramadan, due to the increased import of food items.