Maldivian exports saw a notable increase in the first six months of 2025, rising by 12.2 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).

Total export earnings reached USD 235.8 million, up from USD 210.1 million recorded between January and June 2024.

This overall growth was underpinned by a strong performance in the export of domestic products, which surged by 39 per cent year-on-year. Domestic exports amounted to USD 79.4 million during the first half of 2025, a significant increase from USD 57.1 million in the same period last year.

At the heart of this growth was the fisheries sector, which continues to dominate the country’s export profile. Fish and fish products accounted for the majority of domestic exports, bringing in USD 74.5 million – up 43.4 per cent from USD 52 million last year.

Thailand remained the leading destination for Maldivian seafood exports, importing USD 45.3 million worth of goods in the first half of the year. This represents a sharp 81.4 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2024. The United Kingdom followed as the second-largest export market, with imports totalling USD 13.9 million – an increase of 33.2 per cent.

Alongside fresh and frozen seafood, the Maldives also exported a range of other marine-based products, including canned tuna, live fish, and various seafood items.

While exports experienced strong growth, imports recorded a slight decline. The total value of goods imported into the Maldives during the first six months of 2025 stood at USD 1.72 billion, down 1.65 per cent from USD 1.75 billion in the same period last year.

Food items made up the largest share of imports, amounting to USD 390.1 million, followed by petroleum products, which totalled USD 329.8 million.

Taken together, the data point to a positive shift in the Maldives’ trade dynamics, with rising domestic export performance helping to offset slight declines in import demand.