Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the 20 per cent tariff for tuna exported from the Maldives to the UK given (1) the sustainability of the Maldivian tuna industry, and (2) the zero tariff for tuna exports from all other members of the Commonwealth small island developing states (SIDS).

The UK currently applies the UK Global Tariff of 20% to imports of tuna from the Maldives. This rate is also applied to imports from all other trading partners where preferential arrangements are not in place.

The Government continues to explore pragmatic opportunities to enhance bilateral trade relations with the Maldives in areas of mutual interest, including fishing.