In August 2023, Mauritius experienced a trade deficit of Rs 17.3 billion, which is an increase of 4.8% compared to August 2022 when it was Rs 16.5 billion.
Total exports for the month amounted to Rs 9.7 billion, up from Rs 8.9 billion in August 2022.
Imports also saw a significant rise of 6.4%, totaling Rs 27.1 billion compared to Rs 25.4 billion during the same period last year.
The overall trade volume in August 2023 was Rs 36.8 billion, showing a notable increase from Rs 34.4 billion in August 2022.
The 9.4% surge in August exports was driven by increased exports of Food and Live Animals, rising from Rs 2.3 billion to Rs 3.5 billion.
On the other hand, there was a decrease in Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles, from Rs 2.5 billion to Rs 2.4 billion.
Imports in August 2023 increased by 6.4%, largely due to higher imports of petroleum, which rose from Rs 4.7 billion to Rs 5.6 billion.
There was also a decline in imports of Manufactured Goods chiefly classified by Materials, from Rs 4.3 billion to Rs 3.6 billion. Notably, imports of Machinery and Transport Equipment saw a significant rise from Rs 4.5 billion to Rs 6.3 billion.
Additionally, there was an increase in imports under the category of Food and Live Animals.
In terms of trade partners, the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, Madagascar, and Spain emerged as the primary destinations for exports.
On the other hand, China, Oman, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and France were the main sources of imports.
Statistics Mauritius predicts that the trade deficit for 2023 will surpass Rs 200 billion for the first time, projected to reach approximately Rs 205 billion.
Source: Le Mauricien
