weighted score 3.9 · ten dimensions
Sourcing Attractiveness Index · ten dimensions
Maldives
Labour cost, supply base depth, logistics infrastructure, trade access, and innovation scores for Maldives as a sourcing destination.
Labour cost competitiveness
4
Moderate wages by South Asian standards. Tourism sector drives wage expectations upward. Migrant labour provides cost flexibility but with associated compliance risks.
Supply base depth
2
Minimal manufacturing base. Tuna processing is the only significant industrial activity. Economy is service-oriented (tourism) rather than goods-producing.
Logistics & infrastructure
4
New airport terminal expansion is positive. Port infrastructure in Male is limited. Geographic dispersion across 1,200 islands creates inherent logistics challenges.
Workforce skills
5
Relatively well-educated population for the region. English proficiency is good. Tourism sector has developed service skills. Technical manufacturing skills are limited.
Scalability
5
Population of ~520,000 severely limits workforce scale. Geographic constraints limit industrial land availability. Tourism competes for labour and investment.
Ease of doing business
5
Regulatory framework is developing. Tourism sector is well-regulated. Manufacturing and export sectors have less established frameworks. Debt sustainability is a concern.
Trade access & tariffs
4
EU GSP+ provides preferential access for tuna. Limited export base means tariff advantages are narrowly utilised. No comprehensive FTA network.
Sustainability baseline
4
MSC-certified tuna fishery demonstrates strong sustainability credentials in primary export. Climate vulnerability drives sustainability awareness. Coral reef protection frameworks in place.
Innovation & IP
2
Limited R&D infrastructure. No significant patent activity. Tourism technology adoption is progressing but goods-sector innovation is negligible.
Quality standards
4
MSC certification for tuna demonstrates high quality standards in primary export. Other sectors have limited quality management infrastructure. Tourism drives service quality standards.
Key Export Sectors
Key Export Sectors
- Tuna fisheries
- The Maldives pole-and-line tuna fishery is MSC-certified and represents the primary goods export. Processed tuna (canned and frozen) is exported to EU and Asian markets. The fishery is considered a global model for sustainable fishing practices.
- Tourism infrastructure
- Tourism accounts for approximately 40% of GDP. The new airport terminal expansion (from 1.5M to 7.5M passenger capacity) signals significant investment in tourism infrastructure. Tourism drives demand for imported goods rather than goods exports.
Trade Access & Business Environment
Trade Access & Business Environment
- EU GSP+
- The Maldives benefits from EU GSP+ preferential tariff access. Tuna exports are the primary beneficiary of these preferential terms.
- Debt constraints
- Government debt at 127% of GDP with a $500M Sukuk bond repayment due in 2026. Fiscal constraints limit government capacity to invest in economic diversification and export-supporting infrastructure.
- Geographic isolation
- The Maldives consists of approximately 1,200 islands across 26 atolls, spread over 90,000 km2 of ocean. Geographic dispersion creates inherent logistics challenges and cost premiums for any goods production.