1.2% Export Growth Hides 9.8% Deficit Rise in First Half

The trade deficit is forecast to reach a staggering Rs 210 billion by the end of 2025, according to new data from Statistics Mauritius. The latest figures show a persistent structural imbalance between the nation’s exports and imports, confirming a negative trend for the country’s external trade.

During the second quarter of 2025, the trade deficit rose to Rs 54.1 billion, a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

For the first half of the year (January to June), the deficit was Rs 101.7 billion, representing a 9.8% rise from the previous year.

This deterioration is consistent with projections for a full-year deficit of Rs 210 billion.

Export and Import Breakdown

The data reveals a decline in exports, which totalled Rs 27.7 billion in the second quarter of 2025, a 6.2% decrease from the same period last year.

This drop was primarily driven by a sharp reduction in several key sectors, including a significant 18.0% fall in “manufactured goods classified chiefly by material”, a 15.5% drop in “miscellaneous manufactured articles”, a 3.3% decrease in bunkering, and a 0.6% dip in “machinery and transport equipment”.

Despite the overall decline, some sectors did show growth. Exports of “chemicals” increased by 3.0%, while “food and live animals” saw a 1.8% rise.

Overall, for the first half of 2025, exports still managed to grow by 1.2% compared to the same period in 2024.

Imports, on the other hand, surged. They reached Rs 81.8 billion in the second quarter, marking a 7.4% year-on-year increase.

The most significant increases were in “food and live animals” (+23.2%) and “machinery and transport equipment” (+12.0%).

Other notable rises included a 10.8% increase in “miscellaneous manufactured articles” and a 4.0% rise in “petroleum products”.

For the first half of 2025, imports grew by 6.7% compared to the previous year.

Projections for the entire year estimate that imports will reach Rs 320 billion, up from Rs 314 billion in 2024, while exports are expected to total only Rs 110 billion.

Projected 2025 Deficit: The trade deficit is forecasted to hit Rs 210 billion.

Q2 Deficit: The second-quarter deficit was Rs 54.1 billion, a 16% increase from the same period in 2024.

Q2 Exports: Exports fell by 6.2% in the second quarter.

Q2 Imports: Imports grew by 7.4% in the second quarter.

Source: Le Mauricien