The Maldives has been a member of the WTO since May 31, 1995. Before this, the Maldives was a member of GATT since April 19, 1983. Tourism and fishing are key sectors of the Maldives economy; these sectors have significantly contributed to its economy in the last 10 years. The Maldives GDP grew on average 7%, which led the country to become a middle-income country in 2012.

The main product exported is fish, and the main destinations are Thailand, Sri Lanka, France, and Italy. The main products imported are oil, machinery, and electric electronic equipment, mainly from the UAE, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.

The Maldives has signed two regional trade agreements (RTAs). The South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) entered into force on January 1, 2006, and which current signatories are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The South Asian Preferential Trade Arrangement (SAPTA) entered into force on December 7, 1995, and which current signatories are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and  Sri Lanka.

The Maldives, as part of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), is a signatory of the Accession of Afghanistan; which was signed on August 7, 2011, and which current signatories are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

There is no history of dispute cases involving the Maldives.