The Ministry of Finance states the imposition of a 32 percent across the board tariff on Fijian exports into USA is quite disproportionate and unfair.
In a statement, the Ministry said this is due to the fact 96 percent of US imports into Fiji attracts either zero duty or just 5 percent.
“We are still trying to get more details on the exact rationale and application of the newly announced retaliatory tariff by the US and will work with our key stakeholders and US counterparts to get this,” said the Ministry.
“The United States (US) is an important trade partner for Fiji, accounting for around 10 percent of total trade (exports and imports).”
“The US is also an important source market for Fiji’s tourism (10 percent), remittances inflows (approx. 30 percent) and a key development partner for the last many decades.”
The Ministry states Fiji’s exports to the US were just below F$500m for the past 3 years while imports grew from $190m in 2022 to $425m in 2024.
“Fiji’s major exports to the US includes mineral water, kava, fish products, sugar confectionary and wood artefacts.”
“Major imports from the US includes, medical equipment’s, aircraft parts, machinery and electrical equipment.”
