THE Ministry of Trade says a reciprocal tariff of 32 per cent imposed on Fiji by the US government will have a direct negative effect on Fiji’s resource owners, rural population and smallholder farmers.
In a statement, the ministry said these were the ones who benefitted from Fiji’s exports to the US, primarily products like fish, kava, turmeric and ginger.
The statement said these products did not compete with US industries but rather, complement them.
Baseline tariffs of 10 per cent on all countries will be effective from April 5 while those with higher reciprocal tariffs, including Fiji, will take effect from April 9.
“While the United States remains one of Fiji’s key trading partners, these new trade restrictions pose a significant threat to Fijian industries and businesses that export to the United States,” the statement said.
“In response, the Fiji Government is actively engaging with US Government counterparts through diplomatic and trade channels to seek clarity on these measures and explore options to mitigate their impact.
“This includes understanding how the 63 per cent “Tariff Charged to the US, including Currency Manipulation and Trade Barriers” was calculated by the US Government.
“Fiji imposes less than 2 per cent import duties on average on all US imports.”
The ministry said removing these tariffs would allow American businesses and consumers continued access to high-quality, sustainably sourced natural Fijian products that did not interfere with US grown and manufactured products.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated April 5, 2025.
