According to the latest statistics published by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), the Maldives exported fish products valued at USD 34.3 million during the first three months of this year.

This is an increase from USD 28.1 million recorded during the same period last year. This represents a rise of USD 6.2 million in export value.

Fish continues to be the country's principal export commodity. MMA’s monthly statistical report highlighted a significant increase in the volume of fish exports. During the first quarter of the current fiscal year, the Maldives exported 21,599 metric tonnes of fish, compared to 14,259 metric tonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year, an increase of approximately 51 per cent.

Chilled fish accounted for a considerable portion of this growth. Exports of chilled fish reached 19,674 metric tonnes, representing a 64.9 per cent increase from 11,939 metric tonnes recorded in the same period last year.

Conversely, exports of fish in pulses and pouches declined. In the first three months of the current fiscal year, exports in this category totalled 1,333 metric tonnes, compared to 1,882 metric tonnes in the same period the previous year, marking a decrease of 29.2 per cent.

In addition to the improvement in fisheries output and the rise in export volumes, data from the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) indicates an increase in fishing activity. Last week, 378 fishing vessels supplied fish to MIFCO, up from 361 vessels the previous week, an increase of 4.7 per cent.