Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian tuna imports, describing the move as a significant victory for the country’s traditional fisheries industry and coastal communities.
The tariff suspension officially came into effect on May 20, 2026, opening wider access for Maldivian tuna products in the UK market.
In a statement issued following the announcement, Shiyam said the decision would bring direct economic benefits to local fishermen, fish processing companies and island communities that depend heavily on the fisheries sector.
He noted that the move also represents international recognition of the Maldives’ long-standing commitment to sustainable pole-and-line tuna fishing practices.
“Maldivian tuna doesn’t just feed the world, it does so responsibly, one fish at a time,” the Minister stated.
According to Shiyam, Maldivian fishers and processors have spent years promoting the country’s one-by-one fishing method as a global benchmark for environmentally sustainable fishing.
The Minister said the UK’s decision now validates those efforts in one of the Maldives’ most important export markets.
The fisheries industry remains among the country’s key economic sectors outside tourism, supporting livelihoods across many inhabited islands throughout the Maldives.
Officials believe the removal of tariffs will improve the competitiveness of Maldivian tuna products overseas while helping generate stronger returns for local fishing vessels and exporters.
Shiyam also expressed appreciation to President Mohamed Muizzu, crediting his leadership and diplomatic engagement for helping secure the development.
The Minister praised the President’s efforts to elevate the international profile of the Maldivian fisheries sector and strengthen trade relations with the United Kingdom.
The tariff suspension was first announced by British High Commissioner Nick Low, who stated that the policy aims to lower prices for British consumers while supporting sustainably sourced Maldivian tuna.
The Maldives is internationally recognized for its traditional pole-and-line fishing industry, widely regarded as one of the world’s most environmentally responsible tuna fishing methods.
