18.08.202510:26:21UTC+00Mauritius Trade Deficit Largest in 6 Months

In June 2025, Mauritius experienced a widening trade deficit, reaching MUR 19.1 billion, up from MUR 16.4 billion in the corresponding month the previous year. This marks the largest deficit recorded for the year. The decline in exports, which fell by 10.4% year-on-year to MUR 9.3 billion, significantly contributed to this deficit. This decrease was primarily due to substantial drops in crude materials (-45.5%), manufactured goods (-23.6%), and chemicals and related products (-12.9%). However, there was a notable increase in exports to the United States, which jumped by 40% as the nation expedited shipments in anticipation of a forthcoming 40% reciprocal tariff on Mauritian exports. The US accounted for 13.1% of Mauritius's total exports. Conversely, exports to other key trading partners experienced downturns, with Madagascar seeing a 28.9% decrease, the UK 23.4%, and France 14.2%.

On the import side, there was a 7.8% increase, reaching MUR 28.4 billion. This rise was driven by significant purchases in food and live animals, which increased by 34.2%, and transport equipment, which rose by 20.6%. Imports from the UAE increased by an impressive 54.3%, making it the largest source of imports with a 16.5% share. Additionally, imports from Madagascar and South Africa also saw increases, growing by 30.4% and 15.9% respectively.