Business updates

Total exports for the first quarter of 2017 amounted to Rs 19 billion, 6.0% less compared to the corresponding quarter of 2016. This drop is mainly explained by the drop of 91% in the re-exports of mobile phones by Freeport operators.

Domestic exports amounting to Rs 12 billion, accounted for 60.7% of total exports in the first quarter of 2017. Compared to a value of Rs 14 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016, domestic exports fell by 14.4%, while comparison against the corresponding quarter of 2016 shows a decrease of 12.7%.

Analysis by exports destination for the first quarter of 2017 showed that the European countries remained our main markets, importing some 47.4% of our exports for a value of Rs 8 million. The major destinations were were U.S.A (12.2%), France (12.1%), U.K (11.0%), and South Africa (7.7%).

Total imports for the first quarter of 2017 amounted to Rs 41 billion, showing a decrease of 10.3% over the previous quarter. During the first quarter of 2017, our imports originated mainly from India (17.0%), China (13.4%), South Africa (7.5%) and France (7.4%).

Based on recent past trends and information from various sources, Statistics Mauritius has forecasted total exports for 2017 at around Rs 87 billion and imports at Rs 181 billion.

The full report can be downloaded from the website of Statistics Mauritius here.

(Source: Statistics Mauritius)