The Maldives recorded a sharp rise in fish exports in 2025, posting an 87 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) monthly statistics report. From January to November 2025, total fish exports reached 69,564 metric tonnes, up from 37,213 metric tonnes over the same period in 2024, reinforcing the fisheries industry’s role as a key driver of national export earnings and broader economic activity.
The increase was largely fuelled by a strong expansion in frozen fish exports, which grew by 105 percent to 61,281 metric tonnes, compared to 29,910 metric tonnes a year earlier. The trend reflects growing demand for Maldivian seafood in international markets and highlights the importance of reliable cold-chain logistics and consistent product standards in supporting higher-volume trade, particularly for frozen categories that require efficient handling from landing to shipment.
Growth was also recorded across value-added categories. Exports of canned and pouched fish increased by 9.4 percent to 5,788 metric tonnes from 5,289 metric tonnes, while processed fish exports rose by 34.9 percent, with 1,745 metric tonnes shipped abroad by November 2025. This broader uplift across product types signals improving diversification within the fisheries value chain, with stronger opportunities to capture more value per tonne through processing, packaging, and product innovation.
As fish remains the largest component of Maldives export revenue, the government is prioritising further expansion of the fisheries sector by strengthening fish processing and cold storage capacity. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources aims to increase processing capacity ninefold within the next three years, a target expected to support sustained export growth, improve supply stability, and raise industry productivity. Expanded infrastructure can also enhance quality assurance and reduce post-harvest losses, helping Maldivian products remain competitive in premium markets.
The momentum in fisheries exports is also positive for the wider economy, including the country’s globally recognised resort industry, which increasingly values dependable access to high-quality, responsibly sourced seafood. Stronger processing and cold-chain capacity can improve year-round consistency, traceability, and product variety benefits that can strengthen the Maldives’ premium culinary positioning while enabling local producers to meet both international export requirements and high-end hospitality standards.
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