Malta Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Malta's trade openness was 215.14% in 2025, ranked 8th globally. This represents a 1.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Malta's trade openness stood at 215.14% in 2025, a decline of +3.03% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 215.14% by 2025. Malta ranked 8th globally.
Malta’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, has risen steadily since the earliest World Bank record in 1970 (115.54) and now stands at 215.14 in 2025, placing the island nation eighth worldwide. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 245.16 in 2022, reflecting the rapid expansion of both maritime logistics and high‑value services that dominate the Maltese economy. The low point of 113.98 in 1972 occurred before the liberalisation of trade policy and the accession to the European Union, after which openness accelerated. Malta’s current level is comparable to the United Arab Emirates’s 212.52 and slightly below Ireland’s 237.70, underscoring its integration into global supply chains despite its small size. Looking ahead, further diversification of export markets and continued investment in digital infrastructure are likely to sustain the upward trajectory, although any sharp shifts in global trade policy could alter the pace of growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 205.64% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 210.39% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 215.14% | - | - |
| 2025 | 215.14% | −3.03% | #8 |
| 2024 | 218.17% | −2.89% | #154 |
| 2023 | 221.06% | −24.10% | #166 |
| 2022 | 245.16% | +24.99% | #176 |
| 2021 | 220.17% | −22.20% | #175 |
| 2020 | 242.36% | +9.29% | #177 |
| 2019 | 233.07% | +4.97% | #175 |
| 2018 | 228.10% | +15.05% | #178 |
| 2017 | 213.05% | −0.31% | #177 |
| 2016 | 213.36% | +6.16% | #177 |
| 2015 | 207.20% | +25.89% | #177 |
| 2014 | 181.30% | −6.13% | #174 |
| 2013 | 187.43% | −11.78% | #173 |
| 2012 | 199.21% | +7.19% | #173 |
| 2011 | 192.03% | +13.79% | #172 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malta matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malta's trade openness was 215.14% in 2025. Ranked 8th globally. This represents a 1.4% decrease from the previous year.
Malta's trade openness peaked at 245.16% in 2022.
The lowest trade openness in Malta was 113.98% in 1972.
Malta ranks 8th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malta's trade openness is projected to reach 215.14% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Malta in 2025 was 215.14%. This ranks 8th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malta_trade-openness,
title = {Malta Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malta/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}