Trade

Although Malta is often too small to be physically visible on world maps, its strategic location in Europe and the Mediterranean provides crucial access to the European bloc and its expansive Single Market. Malta’s proximity to Africa has also been pivotal in facilitating the expansion of local companies across various sectors, from manufacturing in the food and drink industries to aquaculture and electronics, into North Africa and other parts of the central Mediterranean region.

Malta lies at the crossroads of north and south, east and west, a strategically advantageous position that, combined with its membership of the EU’s Single Market, makes it an ideal location for companies seeking a base for international business operations.

Savvy investors have long recognised this potential. The textile factories that initially spurred foreign direct investment in Malta have since given way to more sophisticated production facilities and import/export businesses, particularly those engaged in trade with European and North African markets.

Small Size, High Value

Going back to Malta’s size, it is obvious that the country is not especially suited to large-scale, mass production of just any product. Where it does excel, however – and where investors have long smelled opportunity – is in high value-added production using the latest technology and requiring a significant degree of training. In fact, among Malta’s largest exports one finds pharmaceuticals, chemicals and microchips, made by companies which prize skilled labour in a setting in close proximity to major European markets.

Top Exports

Broadly speaking, Malta is a net importer of goods and a net exporter of services. Its top material exports include petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and fish, while its main services exports are related to the tourism and travel, remote gaming, financial services, and professional and technical consulting sectors.

Biggest Trade Partners

Malta trades extensively, both with its EU partners and with other countries around the world. The importance of Italy, its closest neighbour, and Germany, the eurozone’s largest economy, are immediately evident, and perhaps obvious. Less obvious, at first glance, is Japan’s status as a major export destination. This becomes more clear when considering the success Malta’s fish farming companies have had in the East Asian country, which is the primary market for the fish raised or caught in Malta.