Fish exports surge 58 percent

Maldives recorded USD 87 million (MVR 1.3 billion) in fish exports during the first six months of this year, marking a 58 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).

In the first half of 2024, fish exports stood at USD 55 million (MVR 848 million), with total annual exports at USD 82 million (MVR 1.26 billion). 

This means that exports in the first six months of this year have already surpassed the total for the whole of last year, which saw the lowest fisheries income.

From 2019 to 2023, annual fish exports ranged between USD 130 million and USD 155 million, MMA data shows.

So far this year, 60,000 metric tonnes of fish have been purchased, of which 52,000 metric tonnes were skipjack tuna. Export volumes reached 53,000 metric tonnes, including 47,000 metric tonnes of raw fish, representing an 80 percent increase from last year.

Exports of canned fish also recorded growth, rising by around 300 metric tonnes.