Maldives-Sri Lanka Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $163.75M total volume •Maldives deficit: $157.61M
Maldives → Sri Lanka
$3.07M
Exports (2023)
Sri Lanka → Maldives
$160.68M
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$157.61M
Deficit for Maldives
Total Trade
$163.75M
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between Maldives and Sri Lanka. Green line shows exports from Maldives, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the Maldives-Sri Lanka commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
Maldives → Sri Lanka Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
Maldives's export portfolio to Sri Lanka demonstrates strategic specialization, with fish: dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5 representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
Sri Lanka → Maldives Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
Maldives's import pattern from Sri Lanka reveals significant dependencyin petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
Maldives demonstrates competitive strength in exportingfish: dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5 to Sri Lanka, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $163.75M trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: Maldives-Sri Lanka Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $163.75 millionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: Maldives maintains a deficit of $157.61 million
- Export Focus: Maldives's primary exports include fish: dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5, dried herrings, anchovies, sardines, sardinella, brisling or sprats, mackerel (incl indian, jack, or horse), seerfishes, jacks, crevalles, cobia, silver pomfrets, pacific saury, scads, capelin, swordfish, kawakawa, bonitos, marlins, sailfishes, spearfish, fish: live, ornamental, other than freshwater
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from Sri Lanka include petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors, fruit, edible: fruits n.e.c. in heading no. 0801 to 0810, fresh
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents an important regional trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $163.75M represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with Maldives leveraging its comparative advantages in fish: dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
Maldives's specialization in fish: dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5complements Sri Lanka's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils.
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $163.75M bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $163.75M bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $163.75 million bilateral trade volume represents a important trade relationshipfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in fish: dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5 and petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
Maldives's trade deficit of $157.61 million impacts its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between Maldives and Sri Lanka represents a total trade volume of $163.75 million in 2023. This partnership demonstrates an unfavorable trade balance for Maldives, with imports exceeding exportsby $157.61 million.
Export Strengths
Maldives's exports to Sri Lanka total $3.07 million, with competitive advantages in fish: dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5, representing $1.31M or42.7% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from Sri Lanka amount to $160.68 million, highlighting economic interdependence in petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, with Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils comprising5.3% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade deficit indicates Maldives's strategic sourcing from Sri Lanka. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between Maldives and Sri Lanka in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023