Trade deficit soars by over 50% to hit Rs 16.5billion in one month

Mauritius’ trade deficit has soared by 52.8% in just one month to hit Rs16.596 billion.

Figures released by Statistics Mauritius show the deficit in March 2022 was higher by 63.3% compared to March 2021.

In March 2022, total imports increased by 47.5% compared to February 2022 and by 58.2% compared to March 2021.

The main goods imported were Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, food and live animals, and Machinery and transport equipment.

In March 2022, total exports increased by 38.3% compared to February 2022 and by 49.6% compared to March 2021.

The main export destinations in March 2022 were South Africa (16.5%), Madagascar (8.9%), France (8.8%), United States (8.3%), United Kingdom (8.2%) and Kenya (5.7%).

On the other hand, imports were mainly from China (16.1%), South Africa (16.1%), Oman (7.1%), India (6.5%), U.A.E (6.3%) and France (4.5%).