Exploring Maldives Export Data: Key Trade Insights and Latest Export Trends

The Maldives, a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean south of India and Sri Lanka, is globally recognized for its luxury tourism sector. However, beyond tourism, exports, particularly fisheries, play a critical role in supporting the country’s economic stability and foreign exchange earnings. With limited land availability, minimal industrial manufacturing, and a narrow resource base, the Maldives has developed a highly specialized export economy centered on marine products and select value-added goods.

According to Maldives export data, the country ranked 164th among 226 exporting nations worldwide in 2024, reflecting its small size rather than a lack of competitiveness. Exports remain essential for sustaining coastal livelihoods, supporting employment in fisheries and processing industries, and reducing dependence on external borrowing.

Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty, the Maldives exports have shown resilience, primarily driven by consistent international demand for tuna and seafood products.

Overview of Maldives Export Performance

As per Maldives export statistics, the country exported goods worth USD 93.15 million in 2024, marking a decline of approximately 43 percent compared to the previous year. This contraction was largely influenced by fluctuating global seafood prices, logistical challenges, and softer demand in some European markets.

With a national GDP of USD 6.98 billion, exports accounted for roughly 5.5 percent of total economic output. While this share may appear modest, exports remain strategically important given the Maldives’ heavy reliance on imports for fuel, food, and construction materials.

The Maldives is a member of the World Trade Organization and benefits from preferential trade access to several Asian and European markets, which supports the continued flow of fish and seafood exports.

Key Export Highlights from Maldives Customs Data

Global Export Rank: 164th
Share of Global Exports: Approximately 0.002 percent
Top Export Commodity: Fish and seafood products
Largest Export Partner: Thailand

Fish and seafood form the foundation of the Maldivian export economy, with tuna, both fresh and processed, serving as the country’s flagship export product.

Top Export Products of the Maldives by HS Code

Based on Maldives customs export data for 2024, the export basket remains highly concentrated:

Fish & Seafood (HS 03): 57.22 percent (USD 53.30 million)
Preparations of Meat & Fish (HS 16): 32.99 percent (USD 30.73 million)
Prepared Animal Fodder (HS 23): 4.09 percent (USD 3.81 million)
Iron & Steel (HS 72): 3.27 percent (USD 3.05 million)
Ships, Boats & Floating Structures (HS 89): 0.88 percent (USD 822,000)

The dominance of HS Codes 03 and 16 highlights the Maldives’ specialization in raw and processed seafood, which together account for over 90 percent of the total export value. Limited exports of metals, vessels, and industrial goods reflect the country’s constrained manufacturing capacity.

Top Export Destinations of the Maldives

The Maldives exports primarily to Asian and European markets, where demand for sustainably sourced tuna remains strong. According to Maldives export data for 2024, the leading export destinations were:

Thailand: 34.8 percent (USD 32.46 million)
United Kingdom: 21.7 percent (USD 20.19 million)
Germany: 10.4 percent (USD 9.64 million)
India: 4.5 percent (USD 4.20 million)
France: 3.9 percent (USD 3.60 million)

Thailand’s position as the top export partner is driven by its role as a regional seafood processing and re-export hub. European markets, particularly the UK and Germany, import Maldivian tuna for retail and foodservice segments that prioritize quality and traceability.

Understanding Maldives Customs Export Data

Maldives customs export data is compiled from port records, customs filings, and shipment databases, offering granular insights into the country’s trade activity. The data typically includes:

HS codes and product descriptions
Export values and quantities
Destination countries
Exporter and consignee details
Ports of loading and shipment modes

In 2024, the majority of export shipments consisted of fresh, frozen, and processed tuna, highlighting the importance of fisheries to national trade performance.

Shipment-level data allows exporters, seafood processors, and international buyers to analyze pricing trends, track competitor activity, and identify high-growth markets.

Why Maldives Export Data Matters

Access to accurate Maldives export data offers several advantages:

Helps identify global demand for Maldivian seafood products
Enables exporters to connect with verified international buyers
Supports market expansion into Asia and Europe
Improves pricing strategy and contract negotiations
Strengthens supply-chain planning and risk management

For policymakers, trade data also supports better decision-making around fisheries management, export diversification, and long-term economic resilience.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Although the Maldives is a small exporter by global standards, its role in the international seafood trade is highly specialized and economically significant. Fish and fish preparations dominate exports, while Thailand and European countries remain key markets. Even with a decline in export value in 2024, steady demand for high-quality tuna products continues to underpin the country’s export performance.

As global consumers place greater emphasis on sustainability, traceability, and premium seafood, the Maldives is well-positioned to strengthen its niche in international trade, provided it continues to invest in fisheries management, processing capacity, & market diversification.

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