Economic Minister: Mideast war hasn’t disrupted food supply to Maldives

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed speaks to reporters on March 24, 2026. (Photo/President's Office)

The Republic of the Maldives has successfully maintained the stability of its food supply chains despite heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as reported by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed. In a press briefing held on March 24, 2026, Minister Saeed assured the public that essential import routes remain functional. By strategically diversifying import sources—shifting toward nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Oman—the government has mitigated risks associated with regional airspace closures and shipping lane disruptions. Furthermore, established, reliable trade partnerships with China continue to ensure the consistent availability of critical commodities. As the nation faces external global pressures, the government is actively engaged in long-term strategies, including fostering new trade ties with African nations and advancing large-scale sustainable infrastructure projects, such as the USD 790 million township development in the N. Atoll, to bolster economic resilience.

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed confirmed that food supply lines to the Maldives remain undisrupted by current Middle Eastern conflicts.
The government has proactively increased imports from diverse markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Oman, to ensure supply stability.
Stable trade agreements with China remain a cornerstone of the nation’s food security strategy.
Efforts are underway to establish new trade partnerships with African countries to further diversify import sources.
Infrastructure investment, including the USD 790 million N. Atoll project, is progressing as part of the broader national economic diversification strategy.

The US-Israeli war on Iran hasn’t resulted in any disruption to the supply of food into the Maldives, says Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed.

At a press briefing on Tuesday morning, Saeed said that private importers have increased the import of certain types of products from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Oman amid the war.

Saeed said that the Maldives has a reliable supply link with China, guaranteeing the availability of food and other commodities.

“We are also working with several new markets, especially countries in Africa,” he said.

Saeed said that the government is also negotiating with countries to secure additional import benefits.

Saeed also said the government continues to engage in efforts to diversify the Maldivian economy, with land reclamation now complete on the USD 790 million sustainable township development launched in N. Atoll earlier this year.

The assurance by Saeed of lack of disruption to food supply into the Maldives comes as key airspaces in the Middle East remain partially closed amid ongoing attacks.