UK Suspends Tariffs on Maldivian Tuna Products
The United Kingdom has suspended a 20 percent tariff on tuna imports from the Maldives, a move expected to ease financial pressure on exporters and improve the competitiveness of Maldivian tuna in the British market.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, the decision gives Maldivian tuna products a stronger opportunity to compete in the UK market, where the Maldives is currently the ninth-largest supplier of tuna.
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The Ministry welcomes the UK’s decision to suspend tariffs on tuna products from the Maldives. This is a very positive step that gives Maldivian tuna a fair opportunity to compete in the UK market. While the Maldives is currently the 9th largest supplier of tuna to the UK, our… https://t.co/08IlHM1vMI pic.twitter.com/m160h9wyss— Min of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources (@MFAORmv) May 20, 2026
The ministry said Maldivian tuna products are recognised for their sustainability credentials, particularly the country’s pole-and-line fishing practices, and stated that the tariff suspension further strengthens international recognition of the Maldives’ fisheries sector.
In a post on social media, President Mohamed Muizzu welcomed the UK’s decision, which took effect today.
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
He said the move would strengthen fishermen’s incomes, support island livelihoods, and expand opportunities for sustainably sourced Maldivian tuna products in the British market.
The President also described the development as a reflection of the close partnership between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, as well as a shared commitment to sustainable trade and economic resilience.
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said the decision was a “direct win” for fishers, their families, island communities and tuna processors, adding that Maldivian one-by-one fishing methods are recognised globally as a leading sustainable fishing practice.
Thrilled to welcome the UK's decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian tuna – effective today! This is a direct win for our fishers, their families, island communities and our processors who have long championed one-by-one fishing as the gold standard of sustainability. Maldivian… https://t.co/0S9XHB1t6g— Ahmed Shiyam (@Shiyamaldives) May 20, 2026
Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam also welcomed the move, stating that the suspension would improve market access for Maldivian tuna products while contributing to lower prices for consumers in the UK.
🌎🎣The Government of Maldives welcomes the UK's decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports to UK.
The suspension will help improve market access for Maldivian sustainable tuna products in the UK, while also contributing to lower prices for consumers in the UK.… https://t.co/znWM2HyqRG— Iruthisham Adam ( Iru) (@IruthishamAdam) May 20, 2026
The government said it would continue engagement with British authorities to explore making the arrangement permanent.
