Maldives Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Maldives's trade openness was 172.30% in 2025, ranked 17th globally. This represents a 10.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2014–2025.
Overview
Maldives's trade openness stood at 172.30% in 2025, a rise of +15.82% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 172.30% by 2025. Maldives ranked 17th globally.
Maldives’ trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, rose from 165.98 in 2014 to an all‑time peak of 172.30 in 2025, placing the archipelago at rank 17 worldwide. The indicator fell sharply to a trough of 114.36 in 2020 amid the global pandemic, before rebounding strongly as tourism and fisheries recovered and the government pursued liberalised trade policies. Over the 12‑year coverage period the Maldives has consistently outperformed many small island economies, with peer countries such as Nauru (173.05) and Bahrain (168.84) recording comparable openness levels. The upward trajectory reflects expanding port capacity, reduced tariff barriers and greater integration into regional supply chains, particularly with Asian markets. Continued investment in logistics infrastructure and diversification beyond tourism will be crucial to sustain the current momentum and prevent future downturns in trade openness.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 190.49% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 181.39% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 172.30% | - | - |
| 2025 | 172.30% | +15.82% | #17 |
| 2024 | 156.47% | +7.12% | #145 |
| 2023 | 149.35% | −12.89% | #152 |
| 2022 | 162.24% | +19.64% | #158 |
| 2021 | 142.61% | +28.25% | #156 |
| 2020 | 114.36% | −22.76% | #149 |
| 2019 | 137.13% | −5.37% | #154 |
| 2018 | 142.49% | +0.58% | #159 |
| 2017 | 141.91% | −2.47% | #160 |
| 2016 | 144.38% | +0.66% | #162 |
| 2015 | 143.72% | −22.26% | #162 |
| 2014 | 165.98% | – | #169 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Maldives matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2011. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Maldives's trade openness was 172.30% in 2025. Ranked 17th globally. This represents a 10.1% increase from the previous year.
Maldives's trade openness peaked at 172.30% in 2025.
The lowest trade openness in Maldives was 114.36% in 2020.
Maldives ranks 17th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Maldives's trade openness is projected to reach 172.30% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Maldives in 2025 was 172.30%. This ranks 17th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_maldives_trade-openness,
title = {Maldives Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/maldives/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}