Farahanaz: UK suspended tariffs on fish for all countries; Maldives needs permanent solution

Dr. Farahanaz Faizal, the former Maldivian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), has stated that while the UK’s decision to suspend tariffs levied on Maldivian tuna exports is a positive development, the Maldives’ primary objective should be securing a permanent arrangement for such trade concessions.

The recent policy change introduced by the British government is not an exclusive concession granted specifically to the Maldives. Instead, it is a temporary tariff suspension available to all qualifying countries under certain trade frameworks. Despite this, the Maldivian government has described the move as a significant diplomatic achievement expected to provide a major boost to the national economy.

Dr. Farahanaz welcomed the inclusion of Maldivian tuna products among the broad range of food items eligible for reduced duties. As fisheries remain the second most important sector of the Maldivian economy after tourism, access to the UK and European markets is considered essential. She noted that the measure is likely to deliver short-term financial benefits to local fishermen and exporters.

In a social media post shared last night, Dr. Farahanaz explained that the UK’s primary objective behind the duty suspensions is to help businesses remain competitive in the global market. The policy generally involves reducing or eliminating import duties on selected goods, particularly raw materials and intermediate products used in manufacturing, for a limited period. She emphasized that the measure constitutes a temporary relief mechanism applicable to any country meeting the required criteria, rather than a special bilateral arrangement for the Maldives.

Delighted that the UK included tuna from the Maldives when cutting tariffs on a raft of food imports to the UK. “Duty suspensions are designed to help UK and Crown Dependency (Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Jersey) businesses remain competitive in the global marketplace. They do… https://t.co/PZkxUA5A9I

— Farah Faizal ???? (@DrFarahFaizal) May 20, 2026

Following its departure from the European Union, the UK has been independently shaping its trade policies. Temporary duty suspensions of this nature are commonly used as a strategic measure to support domestic productivity and competitiveness.

While acknowledging that the Maldivian fisheries sector stands to benefit in the short term, Dr. Farahanaz said the more pressing issue for the government would arise once the temporary arrangement expires at the end of 2028. She stressed that the government’s long-term priority should be to negotiate a permanent, predictable, and preferential trade agreement for Maldivian fish exports.

Maldivian fish exports to Europe and the UK are typically subject to import duties of nearly 20 percent, an issue that local fishers and exporters have long sought to address. Despite the Maldives’ reliance on sustainable pole-and-line fishing methods, the high tariffs have historically undermined the country’s price competitiveness in comparison with other exporting nations.

As the UK remains one of the leading destinations for Maldivian fish exports, the government continues to hold high-level discussions with British authorities aimed at securing a permanent duty-free arrangement. Stakeholders maintain that while the current temporary relief is a welcome development, using this period to establish long-term trade security should remain central to the Maldives’ trade policy. Experts also believe that a permanent agreement would deliver the most significant and sustainable economic benefits to the country.