Following the British government's decision to suspend the tariff or import duty levied on Maldivian tuna for the upcoming two years, the country's Ambassador accredited to the Maldives, Nick Lowe, has stated that this paves the way for high-quality Maldivian fish to be available at affordable prices.

As a 20 percent duty is currently levied on fish exported from the Maldives to Europe, Maldivian fishermen have been complaining about the decline in fish prices for many years.

Following the British departure from the European Union (EU) in 2020, discussions held at various levels to eliminate the duty levied on Maldivian fish did not yield much progress either.

However, the UK has altered its stance for the time being, deciding to suspend the duty levied on Maldivian tuna until the year 2028.

In connection with this, the British Ambassador stated in a post on X that this decision by the British government is an advancement achieved for the citizens of that country as well, in addition to Maldivian fishermen.

The Ambassador highlighted that the market in the United Kingdom has opened up for high-quality Maldivian fish exported from the sustainable fishing practiced in the Maldives, paving the way for the citizens of that country to obtain Maldivian fish at affordable prices.

The Maldives exports tuna to the UK to an amount between approximately 16.7 and 18 million pounds annually. The Maldives is the ninth largest country among those that import tuna products into the UK.

The Maldivian government stated that it will continuously carry out the necessary negotiations with the UK government to make today's decision permanent.

The Fisheries Ministry stated in a statement issued by them that due to the decision, opportunities will be facilitated for Maldivian tuna products to compete on an equal footing with other businesses, profits for fish processors will increase, and the prices offered to fishermen will improve further.