Maldives Customs Service has reported a 101% rise in import duty revenue in April compared to the same period of last year.
Statistics from Customs shows the Maldives received USD 194 million in imported goods in April of 2021, which is an increase of USD 77 million compared to the USD 117 million from goods imported in April of 2020. The statistics show the Maldives received food items worth USD 50 million, machinery and mechanical and electrical appliances worth USD 34 million, and fuel worth USD 26 million. Around 15% of the goods were imported from the U.A.E., while 14% were imported from India, and 13% were imported from Oman.
Due to the rise in the number of imported goods, the state has received USD 17 million in revenue in April this year, which is a significant increase compared to the USD 8.4 million received in April of last year. The statistics also show the state received royalties worth USD 259 million.
While imports to the Maldives have risen by 67%, the statistics shows exports to the Maldives have dropped by 27%. The majority of exports were frozen fish products, including skipjack or stripe-bellied bonitos worth USD 3.3 million, and yellow fin tuna worth USD 2.3 million. Around 56% of products from the Maldives were exported to Thailand, while 9% were exported to India, and 8% were exported to the United Kingdom.