Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has described the United Kingdom’s decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports as a major achievement resulting from President Mohamed Muizzu’s economic strategy and foreign policy efforts.
The UK recently announced the suspension of a 20 percent import tariff on Maldivian tuna products, with the exemption set to remain in effect until the end of 2028.
Speaking during an appearance on Raajje Miadhu, Shareef described the move as a “historic development” for the country’s fisheries industry, stating that it demonstrates the administration’s ability to deliver on key economic commitments.
According to the spokesperson, President Muizzu had prioritised the issue since assuming office and personally raised the matter during official engagements with British authorities during his visit to the United Kingdom.
Shareef said the President also discussed the matter during an audience with Charles III, where he highlighted the strong reputation of Maldivian tuna products in the UK market due to their quality and internationally recognised standards.
The spokesperson noted that the previous 20 percent duty had posed challenges for local fishermen and exporters by affecting their ability to secure competitive market prices.
He added that sustained diplomatic engagement over nearly two years eventually led to the Maldives being included in the UK’s duty exemption framework. According to Shareef, this marked the first time a Maldivian head of state had directly lobbied for such a trade arrangement at that level.
The Maldives exports between £16.7 million and £18 million worth of tuna products annually to the UK, making it the country’s ninth-largest tuna supplier.
Shareef said discussions with British authorities will continue in an effort to secure a permanent exemption from the import duty in the future.
The fisheries sector remains one of the Maldives’ most important economic industries, supporting thousands of livelihoods across the country and contributing significantly to export revenue.
