In June 2026, total tourist arrivals stood at 123,552, registering a decline of 12.9% compared with the same period of last year. During the month, the highest number of tourist arrivals were recorded from Russia, followed by China and India.
The volume of fish exports decreased by 27.3% in June 2026 compared with the same period of last year. This was mainly driven by the decrease in the export of Fresh, chilled or frozen Skipjack tuna by 29.3% (1,462.8 metric tonnes).
The rate of inflation (annual percentage change in the national CPI) accelerated to 2.6% in June 2026, from 2.5% in May 2026. The largest contribution to the annual rate of inflation during the month came from Vegetables (0.61 percentage points); Passenger transport by sea and inland waterway (0.33 percentage points); and Fish (0.31 percentage points).
Total government revenue and grants is estimated to be increased by MVR2.5 billion (6.6%) in 2026 when compared to 2025, mostly driven by Tax revenue (an increase of MVR2.7 billion).
Total government expenditure is estimated to be increased by MVR4.9 billion (11.1%) in 2026 when compared to 2025, driven by current expenditure (an increase of MVR2.7 billion) and capital expenditure (an increase of MVR2.2 billion).
The annual broad money (M2) growth rate accelerated to 23.2% at the end of July 2026 from 21.9% in June 2026. During the month, the annual growth in broad money was primarily driven by the increase in quasi money.
Annual growth of credit to private sector by commercial banks accelerated to 15.9% at the end of July 2026 from 15.4% in June 2026. During the month, the largest contribution to the annual growth was from credit allocated for construction sector, personal loans and tourism sector.
Official reserve assets stood at USD 638.0 million at the end of July 2026, reflecting 7.1% decrease from USD 686.8 million at the end of June 2026. Similarly, official reserve assets decreased by 17.6% in annual terms during the review period.
The current account deficit is expected to narrow to 6.2% of GDP in 2025, after recording 17.8% of GDP in 2024. However, it is projected to widen to 7.8% of GDP in 2026.
Total exports (f.o.b.) in June 2026 increased by 20.6% compared to the same period last year. This stemmed primarily from the rise in re-exports, despite fish exports observing a decline during the period.
Total imports (c.i.f.) in June 2026 increased by 51.5% compared to the same period last year. This stemmed primarily from the rise in imports of petroleum products and wood, metal, cement and aggregates.
