FIJI has a good case to present to US President Donald Trump on the imposition of the 32 per cent tariff according to Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica.
He told the media yesterday they have been reaching out to seek an audience with US trade officials.
“Fiji is keen to negotiate as well, so we are just waiting on an opportunity for discussions,” he said.
“We feel that, and this is just an example, that our current average duty imposed on US goods is only less than two per cent – it’s 1.8 per cent, so I think we have a good case to present to the President.
“We know that he is keen to negotiate and already there have been discussions happening.
“So, we’re keen to explore what we need to do and bring down the tariffs significantly to 10 per cent or even zero.”
Mr Kamikamica said they need to ensure that goods entering the American market do not affect employment in the USA.
“Given that our tariff rates to the US are very low and the fact that all our goods enter the US, it does not affect employment in the US.
“In fact, they are in complementary areas. You are talking about mahogany, dalo, cassava and even water because it’s luxury water. It’s not for the normal consumer.
“So, we feel that we have a good story to tell.
“We had a briefing with all the heads of mission for Fiji and we will continue to reach out as soon as we get word that negotiations can be done.
“We will be on a plane to Washington DC if required,” Mr Kamikamica said.
Fiji was among the list of about 90 countries announced by US President Donald Trump last week that will now have to pay higher tariff when exporting to the US.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated April 10, 2025.