Ministry Details Zero-Duty Import Categories Under Maldives–Türkiye Trade Agreement

The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade has outlined the product categories eligible for zero per cent import duty from Türkiye under the Maldives–Türkiye Preferential Trade Agreement (MTPTA).

The agreement officially entered into force to provide enhanced market access for Maldivian fisheries exports to Türkiye and open new bilateral commercial avenues. Covering 75 tariff lines at the six-digit Harmonized System (HS) level, the pact follows growing economic ties initiated during President Muizzu’s official visit to Türkiye from from November 26 to 29, 2023, where he and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan committed to expanding trade cooperation.

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Promoted under the message “More Trade. More Opportunities,” the preferential framework aims to expand trade avenues and unlock commercial opportunities for Maldivian businesses by eliminating import tariffs on specific goods originating from Türkiye. The government expects these concessions to diversify import sources, strengthen supply chain resilience, improve price competitiveness, and support local industrial development.

The public announcement published by the ministry today details duty exemptions across four primary commercial sectors:

• Tourism & Hospitality Supplies: Concessions cover items and equipment supporting resort, hotel, guesthouse, cafe, and restaurant operations.
• Agriculture & Fresh Produce: Exemptions apply to fresh fruits, vegetables, and various agricultural commodities.
• Retail & Consumer Goods: Zero-duty access covers foods, processed products, apparel, and general merchandise.
• Creative & Industrial Sectors: The duty-free list includes manufacturing inputs, raw materials, and specialized equipment.

The announcement also outlines sectoral benefits for Maldivian businesses, emphasizing how reduced procurement costs and wider supply choices support local operations across the economy. At the same time, the arrangement strengthens the competitiveness of Maldivian seafood exports in the Turkish market of over 85 million consumers.