Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that the number of containers bound for the Maldives and held at Sri Lankan ports has been significantly reduced following coordinated efforts.

He made the remarks during a press briefing of a Special Cabinet Committee, noting that work is ongoing to clear containers stranded in Sri Lanka and expedite the import of goods to the Maldives.

As of the 8th of this month, a total of 4,241 containers were held at Sri Lankan ports. This figure has since been reduced to 1,741, following joint efforts by Maldives Ports Limited, State Trading Organization, and Maldives State Shipping.

Currently, cargo from around 1,200 containers is being handled at Malé port. A further 2,500 containers are scheduled to arrive in the coming days, including 500 containers on April 12, 500 on April 13, and 1,000 on April 14, along with an additional 500 TEUs.

The Minister said the Government is continuing efforts to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential goods, while also facilitating the smooth movement of cargo into the country.

Minister Saeed noted that imports increased by 19 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025. He attributed the rise to increased economic activity, higher tourist arrivals, and demand during the Ramadan period.

He added that the Government, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is working to diversify import sources for essential food items across multiple markets, including China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

In addition to clearing containers, Minister Saeed said efforts are being made to increase air cargo capacity, with airlines adding more flights to facilitate the transport of goods. He noted that this has contributed to a rise in air freight imports.

The Government is also continuing arrangements to import frozen goods and other cargo from Colombo under established procedures. Fuel shipments are continuing without disruption, the Minister confirmed.

He further noted that existing trade arrangements, including agreements with China, are helping to facilitate imports and ease supply challenges.