The government says the United Kingdom’s decision to remove tariffs on Maldivian fish products could help double the country’s fish exports to the UK.
Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, said Maldives currently exports more than GBP 17 million worth of fish products to the UK annually, equivalent to about USD 25 million.
Speaking at the “Presser with the Spox” briefing, Shareef said around 90 percent of Maldives’ exports to the UK are fish products. He said the UK’s two-year tariff relief on Maldivian fish would bring major benefits to the fisheries sector.
According to Shareef, discussions with the state-owned fish company and local exporters show that the tariff relief could create an opportunity to double exports from around USD 25 million to USD 50 million within the relief period.
He said Maldivian fish products already have strong demand in the UK market, especially canned tuna and value-added fish products. He also highlighted that Maldives’ fisheries sector is internationally recognized for its sustainable fishing practices.
Shareef said the tariff relief could also encourage more local companies to enter the fisheries export industry.
The UK has removed tariffs on Maldivian fish products until the end of 2028. The government has said it will continue discussions to make the relief permanent and secure a long-term solution for exporters.
