The United Kingdom has decided to suspend import duties on tuna products until the end of 2028.
This decision will eliminate the 20 percent tariff previously levied on Maldivian fish exports to the UK market.
"The government is suspending tariffs on a selection of agricultural and food products to support households with rising prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East," the UK's decision stated.
Official statistics identify the UK as the ninth-largest importer of Maldivian tuna products. The Maldives exports between £16.7 million and £18 million worth of fish to the UK annually.
UK data reveals that among its top 10 tuna suppliers, seven countries—Ecuador, Mauritius, Seychelles, Ghana, the Philippines, Spain, and the Netherlands—already enjoy duty-free access to the British market.
According to the government, this move will provide Maldivian fish exporters a level playing field to compete with other nations and pave the way for better prices for local fishermen.
The Maldives government said that its future objective is to make this arrangement permanent. This is the main demand from the Maldives in the ongoing negotiations for a Maldives-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Discussions regarding the FTA commenced during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The current administration has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing these negotiations.
