Exploring Maldives Import Data: Trade Overview, Key Commodities, and Import Partners in 2024

The Maldives is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. With nearly 1,200 coral islands spread across 26 atolls, the country’s geography shapes its economy in a unique way. Limited land availability, scarce natural resources, and minimal manufacturing capacity mean the Maldives depends heavily on imports to sustain everyday life, tourism infrastructure, and long-term development.

Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, contributing the largest share to GDP, followed by fisheries and construction. All three sectors rely extensively on imported goods, from fuel and food supplies to machinery, building materials, and transport equipment. As a result, imports are not discretionary for the Maldives; they are fundamental to economic stability and growth.

According to Maldives import data, the country ranked 158th out of 226 nations globally in total imports, reflecting its small population size but exceptionally high reliance on international trade. Despite global inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, Maldives imports have shown resilience, supported by steady tourism demand and ongoing infrastructure development.

Overview of Maldives Import Performance in 2024

As per Maldives customs data, the country imported goods worth USD 3.64 billion in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 7% year-on-year. This growth highlights the recovery and expansion of tourism, rising energy needs, and continued investment in housing, resorts, and public infrastructure.

With a GDP of USD 6.98 billion, imports accounted for nearly 59% of the Maldivian economy, underlining one of the highest import-to-GDP ratios globally. This level of dependency is typical for island economies where domestic production cannot meet consumption or development needs.

The Maldives is a member of the World Trade Organization and maintains strong trade relationships across Asia and the Middle East. Regional proximity, shipping efficiency, and long-standing diplomatic ties shape its import patterns.

Key Import Statistics from Maldives Customs Data

• Global Import Rank: 158
• Share of Global Imports: Approximately 0.02%
• Total Imports (2024): USD 3.64 billion
• Top Import Category: Mineral fuels and oils
• Largest Import Partner: China

These figures highlight a market that is small in absolute terms but strategically important for exporters serving tourism-led island economies.

Top 10 Imports of the Maldives by HS Code

Maldives import data shows that the country’s import basket is closely aligned with energy consumption, infrastructure development, and food security.

1. Mineral fuels and oils (HS 27): USD 758.42 million | 20.82% of total imports
2. Machinery and mechanical appliances (HS 84): USD 352.34 million | 9.67% 
3. Electrical machinery and equipment (HS 85): USD 316.10 million | 8.68% 
4. Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts (HS 88): USD 140.43 million | 3.86%
5. Salt, sulfur, lime, and cement (HS 25): USD 117.83 million | 3.23%
6. Furniture, bedding, and mattresses (HS 94): USD 106.04 million | 2.91%
7. Meat and edible meat offal (HS 02): USD 104.53 million | 2.87%
8. Dairy products (HS 04): USD 104.04 million | 2.86%
9. Plastics and articles thereof (HS 39): USD 87.03 million | 2.39%
10. Wood and articles of wood (HS 44): USD 85.74 million | 2.35%

This mix shows a clear dependence on imports to support tourism operations, construction activity, and daily consumption.

Top 10 Import Partners of the Maldives

The Maldives maintains diversified sourcing to ensure stable supply chains, with a strong focus on regional and energy-exporting countries.

1. China: USD 682.14 million | 18.7%
2. United Arab Emirates: USD 542.47 million | 14.9%
3. India: USD 502.93 million | 13.8%
4. Oman: USD 280.25 million | 7.7%
5. Malaysia: USD 208.52 million | 5.7%
6. United States: USD 140.59 million | 3.9%
7. Singapore: USD 135.55 million | 3.7%
8. Sri Lanka: USD 134.51 million | 3.7%
9. Thailand: USD 104.55 million | 2.9%
10. France: USD 81.78 million | 2.2%

China leads as the largest import partner, supplying construction materials, machinery, and consumer goods. Energy suppliers such as the UAE and Oman play a crucial role in meeting fuel demand, while India remains a key partner for food products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial supplies.

Key Insights Into Maldives Customs Import Data 

Maldives customs import data is compiled from shipping records, port authorities, and customs declarations. It typically includes:

• HS codes and product descriptions
• Import quantities and values
• Origin countries
• Port and shipment details
• Currency and transaction data

This data goes beyond basic statistics. It allows businesses to track demand patterns, identify active buyers, analyze competitor movements, and assess market entry opportunities in a tourism-driven economy.

Why Maldives Import Data Matters for Businesses

Despite its small size, the Maldives offers consistent and predictable import demand, making it attractive for exporters and suppliers.

Key benefits include:

• Generating qualified leads in a high-import-dependency market
• Identifying products aligned with tourism and infrastructure growth
• Monitoring supplier competition and pricing trends
• Building data-backed sales and marketing strategies
• Improving forecasting accuracy and long-term profitability

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Maldives import data for 2024 highlights an economy deeply integrated with global trade. With imports accounting for nearly 60% of GDP, the country relies on international suppliers to sustain tourism, infrastructure, and daily consumption. Fuel, machinery, food products, and construction materials dominate the import landscape, while China, the UAE, and India remain key trade partners.

For exporters, traders, and investors, Maldives customs data offers valuable insight into a stable, demand-driven market where imports are essential rather than optional. As tourism continues to expand and infrastructure projects progress, import demand is expected to remain strong in the coming years.

For more information on the latest global trade data or to access the Maldives import-export database, you can contact info@tradeimex.in for customized trade reports and market insights.