In a major breakthrough for the Maldives’ fisheries sector, the United Kingdom has agreed to reduce tariffs on fish products exported from the Maldives, ending more than a decade of negotiations and uncertainty for the country’s fishing industry.
The decision is expected to significantly improve the competitiveness of Maldivian fish products in the UK market, which is one of the country’s most valuable export destinations for processed and value-added tuna products.
For years, Maldivian fish exports benefited from tariff-free access to the UK and European markets under preferential trade arrangements granted to least-developed countries. However, after the Maldives graduated from that status in 2011, those benefits were gradually phased out. By 2014, Maldivian fish exports to the UK were facing tariffs of up to 24 percent.
The situation became more challenging following Brexit, when the UK introduced its own tariff system for countries without trade agreements, leaving Maldivian fish products subject to duties of around 20 percent.
Successive Maldivian governments sought to resolve the issue through diplomatic negotiations, recognising the importance of the UK market to the country’s fisheries sector. The UK is currently the second-largest market for Maldivian fish exports and one of the largest buyers of processed tuna products prepared within the Maldives.
When President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, his administration identified the issue as a key priority. During his visit to the UK last year, President Muizzu held discussions with senior British officials and launched the Maldivian fisheries brand “From Maldives” at the UK-Maldives Business Forum to promote sustainably sourced Maldivian tuna products.
Following the latest decision, President Muizzu welcomed the tariff reduction, describing it as a historic milestone for the fisheries industry and the wider Maldivian economy.
In a post shared on X, the President stated that the reduced tariffs would create greater opportunities for sustainably caught Maldivian tuna in the British market while making local fish products more accessible to UK consumers.
He noted that the Maldives is internationally recognised for its sustainable pole-and-line tuna fishing practices and said the development reflects the strong partnership between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, as well as a shared commitment to sustainable trade and economic growth.
President Muizzu also expressed appreciation to the UK Government and all parties involved in securing the agreement, adding that the move would help increase fishermen’s incomes and strengthen livelihoods across island communities.
The tariff reduction is expected to restore the competitiveness of Maldivian fish products in international markets and provide renewed confidence for long-term investment in the fisheries sector after years of trade-related challenges.
