Maldives Eyes Seafood Export Boom Through China Free Trade Deal

The Maldives is setting its sights on boosting seafood exports to China by making full use of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

A visiting delegation from the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce (CFNA) met with local sea cucumber exporters last week to explore trade opportunities. Talks focused on how the FTA could be used to secure duty-free access to the Chinese market, while also addressing logistical challenges faced by Maldivian exporters.
The CFNA delegation, which arrived on April 14, also held discussions with key Maldivian government bodies including the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), and the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO).

Originally signed in 2014 and ratified in 2017, the FTA had remained inactive due to administrative changes. Since taking office in November 2023, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has prioritized activating the agreement. As of January 1, 2025, the FTA is now fully in effect.
Under the agreement, all fishery products processed in the Maldives can be exported to China tariff-free. This is expected to significantly boost the country's key seafood exports.

The FTA covers 296 seafood categories, including sea cucumber, salted fish, grouper, mariculture products, skipjack tuna, and yellowfin tuna—offering a major opportunity for the Maldives’ fishing industry to expand its reach in the Chinese market.