Business updates

Total Exports for the third quarter of 2015 summed up to Rs. 24.8 billion, representing a decrease of 1.9% compared to the corresponding quarter in 2014. The fall in the value of exports of ‘Ship’s stores & Bunkers’ (-33.9%), ‘Machinery and transport equipment’ (-18.4%) and ‘Chemicals & Related Products’    (-9.1%) account for this decrease.

Domestic Exports for the third quarter comprised 63.5% of total exports - up 3.1% from the previous quarter and higher by 6.1% compared to the same quarter in 2014. The decrease in re-exports of ‘Telecommunications Equipment & Accessories’ explains the fact that Re-Exports were lower by 10.7% compared to the previous quarter and down 3.8% against figures for the same quarter in 2014.

An analysis of the January-September 2015 figures reveals that our main export markets were as follows: U.A.E (15.3%), U.K (13.1%), U.S.A (10.4%), France (9.0%), South Africa (7.9%), Madagascar (6.4%) and Italy (4.8%).

Total Imports added up to Rs. 42.0 billion, a decrease of 1.9% in contrast with figures of the previous quarter. It is worth noting that decreases in imports of 'Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Products'   (-16.2%) and 'Machinery and Transport Equipment' (-12.6%) were registered over this period. The main supplier countries for the period January-September 2015 were India (17.9%), China (17.9%), France (7.0%) and South Africa (6.6%).

According to Statistics Mauritius, it is anticipated that total exports will amount to Rs. 97 billion against Rs. 176 billion for imports, resulting in a trade deficit of Rs. 79 billion. Further details on the third quarter statistics can be obtained here.