By Shakir Husain
HYDERABAD, India: The Maldives on Wednesday welcomed Britain’s decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports, saying the move would open up greater opportunities for its fisheries trade.
“This important development will support British consumers while delivering meaningful benefits to the Maldives’ fisheries sector,” President Mohamed Muizzu said in a post on the social media platform X.
Britain had earlier imposed 20 per cent tariffs on tuna imports from the Maldives, according to the Maldivian Fisheries and Agriculture Ministry.
The Maldives is currently the ninth-largest supplier of tuna to Britain.
“The Maldives is globally recognised for its world-leading pole-and-line tuna industry and its commitment to responsible and sustainable fishing practices. This milestone reflects the close partnership between the Maldives and the UK, and the importance both countries place on sustainable trade and economic resilience,” the president said.
The decision, effective from Wednesday, will help bring prices down in the United Kingdom while opening up better market access for Maldivian tuna, said Britain’s High Commissioner to Malé, Nick Low. – BERNAMA
