- Maldives fish exports fell 62% to 16,991 tonnes in the first half of 2026, driven by lower catches.
- Fresh and chilled fish dropped 67% and skipjack tuna plunged 70%, while canned fish declined a milder 11%.
- Volumes fell despite higher purchase prices, with skipjack tuna rising from MVR 16 to MVR 20 per kilogram.
The Maldives exported 16,991 metric tonnes of fish in the first six months of 2026, a 62% decline from the 44,791 tonnes exported during the same period last year, according to data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
Fresh and chilled fish accounted for the largest share of exports, with 13,083 tonnes exported during the period, down 67% from 40,659 tonnes in the first half of 2025.
Skipjack tuna made up most of the fresh and chilled fish exports. The Maldives exported 10,603 tonnes of skipjack tuna during the first six months, a 70% decline from the 36,112 tonnes recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Canned fish exports also fell, although at a slower rate. The Maldives exported 2,702 tonnes of canned fish in the first half of 2026, compared with 3,056 tonnes during the same period last year, representing an 11% decline.
MMA statistics indicate that the decline in fish export volumes was driven by lower catches during the period.
The decline in export volumes comes despite higher fish purchase prices. Skipjack tuna, which was purchased at around MVR 16 per kilogram earlier this year, is now being purchased at MVR 20 per kilogram.
The Government has identified the expansion of fisheries and its development into one of the Maldives’ highest revenue-generating sectors as a key objective. It is also working to develop fisheries infrastructure and address challenges facing the industry during the first three years of the current administration.
