Fish Exports Climb in March as Canned Products Drive Growth

Fish exports from the Maldives increased in March, supported by strong gains in canned products, according to new customs data.
The Maldives exported fish worth MVR 69 million (USD 4.48 million) in March, up from MVR 51 million in February. This reflects a 35 percent month on month increase.

Canned skipjack tuna recorded the sharpest rise. Export value increased from MVR 29 million in February to MVR 51 million in March, a 75 percent increase.

Customs data for March show the following export values:
• Canned fish: MVR 51 million
• Frozen skipjack tuna: MVR 8 million
• Fresh fish: MVR 6 million

Officials say the government is working to expand the sector by increasing processing and storage capacity. The plan aims to raise national fish processing capacity ninefold within three years, a target the government says is essential for diversifying the industry and improving export resilience.

Recent government measures have focused on easing operational costs and strengthening infrastructure. Fuel access has been expanded through STO and FSM outlets in key fishing hubs, allowing vessels to purchase fuel at base rates. The government has also cleared outstanding payments owed to fishermen and introduced a mechanism to ensure catch payments are made within 48 hours.

Support programmes include a financing facility for Refrigerated Sea Water systems to reduce ice‑run costs, and the expansion of Fish Aggregating Devices nationwide. Training programmes have been launched to certify rescue divers on fishing vessels, and the National Fishermen’s Register has been implemented to formalise employment and improve access to loans.

The government has also committed to major infrastructure upgrades, including new canneries and expanded processing capacity, which officials say will allow more fish to be processed domestically rather than exported raw.