Fiji’s fish processing industry has received a major boost following the European Union’s decision to approve locally processed fishery products to enjoy duty-free access to the EU market under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA).
The landmark move, announced by the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications, means that processed fish such as tuna loins and canned fish, manufactured in on-land facilities in Fiji from imported raw fish, will now qualify as originating products.
This preferential treatment took effect on 31 July 2025.
The approval follows a formal request lodged by the Fijian Government in April 2025, backed by technical documentation and close consultations with industry stakeholders.
The change enables Fiji to source raw fish from a broader pool of foreign-flagged vessels, provided the fish is landed and processed domestically before export to the EU.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Hon. Manoa Kamikamica hailed the EU’s decision as a transformative development for the country’s fisheries sector.
“This is a significant achievement for Fiji and a timely opportunity for our fish processing sector,” he said.
“It opens new avenues for investment, employment, and sustainable growth, while positioning Fiji as a regional hub for high-value seafood production.”
