President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to suspend tariffs on tuna imports from the Maldives, describing the move as a major boost for the country’s fisheries sector and wider economy.
In a social media post shared on Wednesday, President Muizzu said the tariff suspension, which took effect on 20 May 2026, would support British consumers while creating stronger economic opportunities for Maldivian fishermen and island communities.
“The Maldives is globally recognised for its world-leading pole-and-line tuna industry and its commitment to responsible and sustainable fishing practices,” President Muizzu said.
He added that the decision would help strengthen fishermen’s incomes, support livelihoods across the islands and expand opportunities for sustainably caught Maldivian tuna in the UK market.
The President also described the development as a reflection of the close partnership between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, particularly in the areas of sustainable trade and economic resilience.
Maldives’ fisheries industry remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors, employing thousands of people directly and indirectly. Pole-and-line fishing, widely recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable tuna fishing methods, has long been promoted by the Maldives as a key national industry and environmental success story.
President Muizzu thanked the UK Government and all parties involved in facilitating the tariff suspension, calling it “a positive step forward for our fishermen and our economy.”
