President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the removal of the 20% import duty previously levied on Maldivian tuna products entering the UK will strengthen the income of Maldivian fishermen and support the economic livelihoods of island communities.
In a message shared on social media welcoming the UK government's decision to eliminate the tariff (import duty) on Maldivian tuna products entering the UK starting today, the President noted that the UK's decision would not only provide relief to its consumers but also bring significant benefits to the Maldives' fishing industry.
"This decision will strengthen fishermen's income, support the economic livelihoods of island communities, and further expand the opportunities for sustainably caught Maldivian fish products in the UK market," the President said.
In his message, the President highlighted that the Maldives is a country with a world-class, exemplary pole-and-line fishing industry that prioritizes sustainable and responsible fishing practices. He stated that this historic decision symbolizes the close relationship between the Maldives and the UK, as well as the importance both countries place on sustainable trade and economic progress, and expressed his gratitude to the UK government.
"I thank the UK government and all partners who assisted in this promising advancement for our fishermen and our economy," the President said.
Since assuming office, one of the industries President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has given the highest priority to is the fishing industry. Instead of exporting raw materials from the Maldives, he places special emphasis on producing as much value-added fish and fish products as possible within the Maldives to protect the interests of the Maldivian fishing industry. In this regard, during his visit to the UK, one of the most important requests he made to the King of the UK and senior government officials was the removal of tariffs on Maldivian tuna products.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government has given assurances that it will continue its ongoing efforts with the UK government without interruption to make this arrangement a permanent policy. The government's goal is to secure the best possible prices for Maldivian fishermen's products in the international market.
The UK is the second-largest export destination for Maldivian tuna. Furthermore, the Maldives is the ninth-largest supplier of tuna products imported into the UK.
