In August 2026, total tourist arrivals stood at 195,390, registering an increase of 1.7% compared with the same period of last year. During the month, the highest number of tourist arrivals were recorded from China, followed by Russia and Italy.
The volume of fish exports decreased by 66.7% in July 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 79.7% (5,135.8 metric tonnes).
The rate of inflation (annual percentage change in the national CPI) decelerated to 0.8% in August 2026, from 2.3% in July 2026. The largest contribution to the annual rate of inflation during the month came from Tobacco (-1.76 percentage points); Passenger transport by sea and inland waterway (0.33 percentage points); and Milk, other dairy products and eggs (0.32 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 decelerated to 20.8% at the end of August 2026 from 23.0% in July 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 18.3% at the end of August 2026 from 15.9% in July 2026. During the month, the largest contribution to the annual growth was from credit allocated for construction sector, tourism sector and personal loans.
Official reserve assets stood at USD 643.8 million at the end of August 2026, reflecting 0.9% increase from USD 638.0 million at the end of July 2026. However, official reserve assets decreased by 20.5% 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 August 2026 increased by 42.1% 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 August 2026 increased by 32.5% compared to the same period last year. This stemmed primarily from the rise in imports of petroleum products and electrical, electronic machinery, equipments and parts.
