UK govt suspends tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports

The UK government has suspended tariffs on tuna exports from the Maldives in a landmark win for the Maldivian fisheries sector.

British High Commissioner to the Maldives Nick Low announced the decision in a post on X, stating that the tariff suspension took effect on Wednesday. According to Low, the measure is intended to help reduce prices in the UK while improving market access for Maldivian tuna exports.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu welcomed the UK government’s decision in post on X. He stated that the move would benefit British consumers while providing meaningful support to the Maldives’ fisheries sector by strengthening fishermen’s incomes, supporting island livelihoods, and expanding opportunities for sustainably caught Maldivian tuna in the UK market.

I warmly welcome the United Kingdom’s decision to suspend tariffs on tuna imports effective 20th May 2026.

This important development will support British consumers while delivering meaningful benefits to the Maldives’ fisheries sector, strengthening fishermen’s incomes,… https://t.co/WFLQy5PWrH

— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) May 20, 2026

The President also highlighted that the Maldives is internationally recognized for its world-leading pole-and-line tuna industry and its commitment to responsible and sustainable fishing practices.

He further noted that the suspension of tariffs reflects the close partnership between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, as well as the importance both countries place on sustainable trade and economic resilience.

“I thank the UK Government and all partners who contributed to this positive step forward for our fishermen and our economy,” he added.

Previously, fish exported from the Maldives to the United Kingdom and European Union countries was subject to a 20 percent tariff, creating significant challenges for Maldivian fish products in competing within international markets. A major concern for the local fisheries industry was the loss of its competitive advantage, particularly as neighboring countries continued to benefit from duty-free exports under the GSP Plus scheme, a concession no longer available to the Maldives.

According to Customs statistics from recent years, the UK market accounts for approximately one-quarter of the Maldives’ total fisheries exports. Additionally, the UK represents nearly half of the country’s exports of processed and high-value-added fish products.

The Maldivian government has undertaken extensive diplomatic efforts with the United Kingdom to secure duty exemptions for fish exports. Over the past several years, high-level discussions have taken place across multiple levels of the UK government.

Although the previous administration expressed strong optimism regarding the removal of tariffs on fish exports to the UK, the negotiations remained unresolved by the conclusion of its term.

The removal of these tariffs is expected to provide Maldivian fish exporting companies with a more level playing field in the UK market. Economic experts have previously projected that the development would increase the export value of fish products and generate direct financial benefits for local fishermen.

Notably, the Maldives had been the only small island developing state within the Commonwealth whose exports continued to face UK tariffs. Other small island nations in comparable economic circumstances had already secured tax exemptions through various bilateral arrangements.