Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam has stated that the Government is working to permanently cut tariffs imposed on Maldivian fish products exported to the United Kingdom market.

Speaking in an interview with State media, the Minister said the Maldives has been working to resolve the tariff issue since 2014 and that the current Administration has given high priority to the matter.

The UK recently decided to suspend the 20 per cent duty on Maldivian fish products for a period of two years as part of measures aimed at controlling prices in the British market.

Minister Iruthisham said the Maldivian Government participated in discussions with the UK after studying all available options to cut tariffs on local fish exports.

The Minister stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also raised the issue during his visit to the UK last year, where he discussed the economic difficulties caused by high tariffs with British ministers and government officials.

The Minister noted that both countries agreed to pursue a temporary solution while continuing discussions on a long-term arrangement, particularly as the Maldives is currently facing debt repayment and other economic challenges.

The Foreign Minister added that the British government officially informed the Maldives of its decision to temporarily waive the duties, describing it as a positive outcome that will benefit the country’s fisheries sector and the wider economy.

The Maldives exports fish products worth close to GBP 18 million to the United Kingdom each year. The removal of the tariff is expected to ease export costs and provide support to the fisheries sector and local fishermen.