The Government will dismantle long-standing trade barriers and slash import tariffs to drive down food prices and boost competition, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad announced today.
Declaring war on excessive mark-ups and protectionist policies, Prof Prasad revealed sweeping changes to Fiji’s trade and customs system, including new import protocols and the end of decades-long tariff protection for select industries.
“Tariff protection should be temporary, targeted and transparent,” he told Parliament. “With heavy tariff protections, inefficiencies creep in and there is lack of incentives to bring down prices.”
The 2025–2026 Budget reduces tariff protection on chicken portions and offals from 32 per cent to 15 per cent, while frozen fish duties drop to zero per cent, aligning with canned fish like sardines and salmon.
A Government taskforce, comprising FCCC, FRCS, the Consumer Council and the Ministry of Finance—will monitor market prices to ensure businesses pass on these reductions to consumers.
“This is a stern warning… it will not be tolerated,” Prof Prasad said.
Simultaneously, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji will begin reviewing overly restrictive import protocols. Fiji currently imports whole frozen chicken only from New Zealand and bans Indian ghee, a key staple in many homes.
“These restrictions have contributed to higher food prices and reduced consumer choice,” he said.
Government is also working to expand the list of countries and suppliers by engaging with trusted international counterparts—part of a broader plan to introduce more competition and reduce supply-side costs for Fijian consumers.
