Mauritius’ trade deficit narrowed by 18.1% in the first quarter of 2014 from a year earlier on the back of lower imports, official data showed yesterday.The deficit fell to US$ 471.66m with the value of its exports – including sugar and livestock – up 5% to 21.38bn rupees after sales of machinery and transport equipment doubled to 1bn rupees, Statistics Mauritius said in a statement.
Imports dropped to 35.62bn rupees from 37.74bn a year earlier on lower imports of mineral fuel and lubricants. “Total exports for this year are expected to be of the order of 91bn, against 175 billion for imports. Consequently, the trade deficit is expected to be around 84bn rupees,” the Statistics office said.
Britain remained Mauritius’ main export market, accounting for 15.4% followed by France. India – which sells petroleum products to Mauritius, was the main supplier during the quarter with 25.3%.