China overtook the UAE as the Maldives' largest source of imports in the first nine months of 2026, with purchases from China rising 32 per cent to USD 503.9 million while imports from the UAE fell 42.6 per cent. Total imports reached USD 3.35 billion, driven mainly by higher fuel spending amid the Middle East conflict.
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purchases from China rising by 32 per cent to USD 503.9 million in the first nine months of 2026
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purchases from China rising by 32 per cent to USD 503.9 million in the first nine months of 2026
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imports from China increased from USD 381.1 million last year
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Imports from the UAE fell by 42.6 per cent, from USD 516.7 million between January and September 2025 to USD 296.5 million during the corresponding period this year.
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The UAE was the Maldives’ largest import source in 2025, supplying goods worth USD 645 million over the year.
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India ranking second at USD 451.1 million, compared with USD 401 million last year
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The Maldives’ total import bill reached USD 3.35 billion so far this year, compared with USD 2.62 billion recorded last year.
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