- Maldives' re-exports hit USD 314.9 million in the first nine months of 2026, up 48.5 per cent year-on-year and already exceeding 2025's full-year total of USD 299.2 million.
- Jet fuel dominated earnings at USD 255.8 million, roughly 81 per cent of re-exports, driving most of the annual increase.
- The sea-to-air cargo service, run by MPL and MACL since May 2024, has connected over 17 airlines and handled 633 tonnes in July, but fuel sales still dominate recorded earnings.
The Maldives’ re-export earnings exceeded last year’s full-year total within the first nine months of 2026, driven mainly by jet fuel sales as the country also develops its sea-to-air cargo business.
Figures from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) show that re-exports reached USD 314.9 million between January and September, an increase of 48.5 per cent from USD 212 million during the corresponding period of 2025. Re-exports for the whole of last year totalled USD 299.2 million.
Jet fuel remained the largest component, generating USD 255.8 million during the nine-month period, compared with USD 167.9 million a year earlier. It accounted for approximately 81 per cent of total re-export earnings and most of the annual increase.
The figures highlight the continued importance of aviation to the Maldives’ external trade. Alongside fuel sales to international airlines, authorities are seeking to generate additional business by using the country’s flight connections to move cargo between overseas markets.
The sea-to-air service, launched in May 2024, allows goods arriving in the Maldives by ship to be transferred to international flights at Velana International Airport. Jointly operated by Maldives Ports Limited and Maldives Airports Company Limited, the service connects maritime freight with onward air transport.
More than 17 international airlines have connected to the operation. In July, the service handled 633 tonnes of outbound cargo, compared with 335 tonnes in June. Shipments during July reached 10 countries through six airlines.
For the Maldives, the commercial opportunity lies in earning revenue from cargo handling, storage and transport services as goods pass through the country. The operation also provides a way to use the international airline network serving the tourism industry to develop a wider logistics business.
However, overall re-export earnings and sea-to-air cargo activity measure different aspects of that business. While cargo volumes indicate growing use of the service, the MMA figures show that fuel sales continue to dominate recorded re-export earnings.
