The United Kingdom government prioritised eliminating import tariffs on Maldivian fish products because of the nation’s sustainable fishing practices, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on PSM News’s ‘Nation Chat’ programme, noting the industry remains a foremost administration priority. The remarks followed a UK decision on 20 May to suspend a 20 per cent tariff on Maldivian tuna imports for two years, extending through late 2028.
The suspension culminated extensive diplomatic efforts. Securing the removal was a primary objective for Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam during her previous tenure as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and was advanced during President Muizzu’s official visit to London.
The tariff was initially imposed after the Maldives graduated from Least Developed Country status. Despite transitioning, the nation confronts similar development challenges, making the removal a key bilateral achievement.
"Given that the Maldives operates a 100 per cent sustainable fishing industry, the United Kingdom made it a critical priority to determine how best to facilitate a solution for our nation," President Muizzu said, adding that negotiations within World Trade Organization parameters lasted two and a half years.
Among countries exporting tuna to the UK market, the Maldives was the only Small Island Developing State burdened by the tariff. "Consequently, the Maldives has truly achieved the greatest victory as a direct result of this policy shift," President Muizzu stated. He concluded that the removal will yield immediate economic benefits for Maldivian canned tuna, which is already highly popular and heavily stocked across United Kingdom markets.