Malta’s Government registered a trade deficit of €362.2 million in August 2024, compared to a deficit of €598.9 million in the same month of 2023. The figures came to light through the National Statistics Office.

Imports amounted to €787 million, while exports totalled €424.8 million, representing a decrease in imports of €165.8 million and an increase in exports of €70.9 million compared to the same month in the previous year.

The decrease in imports was mainly driven by machinery and transport equipment, which totalled €178.6 million.

On the exports side, the main increase was registered in mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials, which amounted to €72.4 million.

January to August 2024

During the first eight months of the year, the NSO reported that the trade deficit narrowed by €241.4 million compared to the corresponding period in 2023, reaching €2,879.3 million. Imports stood at €6,058.1 million, while exports reached €3,178.8 million, representing increases of €81.2 million and €322.5 million, respectively.

Higher imports and exports were mainly recorded in mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials, which totalled €413.3 million in imports and €264.8 million in exports, as well as chemicals, which contributed €87.3 million to imports and €50.7 million to exports.

Related

ACE: VAT cut to 7% ‘primarily aimed at supporting industry’, with consumers only indirect beneficiaries

March 20, 2026
by Nicole Zammit

ACE says it has long advocated for a VAT reduction

Malta’s rubbish recycling rate places it among EU’s worst performers

March 20, 2026
by Nicole Zammit

Malta continues to lag significantly behind leading performers such as Germany

EU-funded acceleration programme targets Maltese blue economy startups

March 20, 2026
by Nicole Zammit

Equity-free funding, international pilot testing and investor connections are on offer for Maltese startups through the MED-Hubs programme