Fiji’s trade with New Zealand has reached a remarkable $1.39 billion (NZ$1.39 billion) as of March 2025, with Fijian exports valued at around $542.38 million and imports from New Zealand totaling approximately $849.24 million. This trade relationship positions Fiji as New Zealand’s 24th largest trading partner by total trade value.
At the recent Agriculture Mini Trade Forum held in Nadi, New Zealand High Commission First Secretary Adham Crichton noted that a significant portion of trade is specifically driven by services, especially in the tourism sector, which plays a vital role in Fiji’s economic development. This aligns with previous insights shared by trade officials from both countries, highlighting the growing demand for Fijian goods in New Zealand’s market.
Fiji’s main exports to New Zealand include a diverse array of agricultural products, particularly vegetables, which accounted for approximately $19.74 million, with manioc and sweet potatoes being notable examples. In contrast, New Zealand’s key export to Fiji is dairy, underscoring the complementary nature of their markets.
Crichton mentioned that the Fiji New Zealand Business Council is ambitiously strategizing to elevate trade figures to $2 billion. Achieving this goal will require seamless coordination between the private and public sectors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and investment. This sentiment reflects trends observed in previous reports, where Fiji’s trade commission has facilitated significant growth in exports, reaching milestones of over $30 million in the first half of the financial year and exceeding $500 million in total exports for the first time last year.
The ongoing emphasis on maintaining strong economic ties is not only promising for trade but also for tourism, which continues to foster connections between the two nations. Crichton expressed hope that the synergistic strengths of both economies will enable them to reach new heights in their trade relations.
Overall, the developments in Fiji’s trade partnerships with New Zealand reflect a robust and growing economic relationship that holds great potential for future prosperity. The collaborative efforts in trade, particularly in the agricultural and tourism sectors, promise to enhance the well-being of citizens in both countries while boosting their economic endeavors.
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