Budget 2026-2027: MEXA welcomes measures in favor of exports and industry

The Mauritius Export Association (MEXA) welcomes several measures announced in the 2026-2027 Budget aimed at strengthening the manufacturing sector and exports, according to a press release published following Friday's budget presentation.

The association particularly highlights the government's objective of doubling Mauritian exports over the next five years, increasing them from around 1.5 billion US dollars to 3 billion US dollars.

In its press release, MEXA highlights several measures that it considers favorable to industrial development. She cites in particular the upcoming introduction of an Industry Bill intended to modernize the industrial development framework, the desire to attract more foreign direct investment in high value-added manufacturing sectors, as well as the announced creation of a special economic zone dedicated to high technologies in Côte d'Or.

The association also notes the renewal of the investment tax credit intended to support the modernization of the production capacities of manufacturing companies.

MEXA also notes the government's commitment to the development of the Island Container Terminal, believing that this infrastructure could contribute to strengthening the country's logistical and export competitiveness.

Another measure welcomed by the organization: the plan to increase local fish production from 5,140 tonnes to 15,000 tonnes over the next three years. According to her, this initiative could both contribute to food security and support the development of the ocean economy as a source of export growth.

In its analysis, MEXA recalls that the manufacturing and exporting sector represents approximately 12.8% of the gross value added of the Mauritian economy and remains an important source of foreign exchange, investments and jobs.

The association observes, however, that the sector has faced several challenges in recent years, including customs duties imposed by the United States as well as uncertainties surrounding the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which have weighed on the competitiveness of Mauritian exports.

While it believes that the measures announced constitute a basis for supporting growth in the medium and long term, MEXA considers that particular attention should also be paid to factors affecting the competitiveness of exporters in the short term. In this context, she calls in particular for maintaining the Trade Promotion and Marketing Scheme (TPMS) at its current level for an additional year.

MEXA finally affirms that it is willing to collaborate with the authorities in the implementation of the various measures announced and in the development of future reforms concerning the industrial sector.

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