Imports to the Maldives increased by 12 percent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period last year, according to the Maldives Customs Service.
Total imports in the first quarter amounted to MVR6.5 billion (US$421.5 million) compared to MVR5.8 billion (US$376 million) in 2012.
Exports meanwhile grew by 44 percent compared to the same period in 2012. During the first three months of 2013, exports rose to MVR785 million (US$51 million) from MVR545 million (US$35 million) in Q1, 2012 .
Total revenue from import duties also increased by nine percent compared to the same period last year.
