Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office Mohamed Hussain Shareef has stated that the United Kingdom’s decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian fish products is expected to significantly boost the country’s fisheries sector and attract greater private sector participation in tuna exports.
Speaking during the regular “Press with Spox” briefing, Shareef said the government hopes the tariff concession will help double Maldivian fish exports to the UK over the next two years.
The British government recently announced the suspension of tariffs on Maldivian fish exports for a two-year period beginning May 20, 2026.
According to the spokesperson, the Maldives currently ranks ninth among countries exporting skipjack tuna to the UK market, with countries such as Seychelles, Spain and Philippines currently ahead.
Shareef stated that the government does not intend to rely solely on state-owned enterprises to capitalize on the new market opportunity.
“We will not rely entirely on state-owned enterprises. The private sector will play a massive role in this,” he said.
He added that private fishing and export companies stand to benefit the most from the tariff suspension and expressed confidence that additional Maldivian businesses will now enter the export market.
According to Shareef, the Maldives previously exported approximately USD 25 million worth of skipjack tuna annually to the United Kingdom.
With the removal of the 20 percent tariff, the government now hopes to increase that figure to around USD 50 million within the next two years.
The spokesperson further noted that the international recognition of Maldivian pole-and-line fishing as an environmentally sustainable method gives the country a strong competitive advantage in premium export markets.
President Mohamed Muizzu also addressed the tariff concession during PSM’s “Nation Chat” programme last week.
According to the President, the decision followed extensive discussions held with UK officials during various diplomatic engagements.
President Muizzu stated that Maldivian fish products already hold a significant position in the British market and said the UK government placed considerable importance on extending the concession to the Maldives.
The tariff suspension is expected to improve the competitiveness of Maldivian tuna products in the UK while creating new opportunities for local fishing companies, processors and exporters.
