Trade between Fiji and its traditional trading partner New Zealand has reached a significant milestone, hitting $NZ1.4 billion (approximately $F1.82 billion) as of September 2025. This places the two countries within four years of their ambitious goal to achieve $NZ2 billion in two-way trade by 2030.
The announcement was made by James Trusler, president of the Fiji New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC), during the council’s annual general meeting in Suva. Trusler reported that New Zealand exported $NZ866.61 million (around $F1.13 billion) in goods and services to Fiji, while Fiji exported $NZ541.45 million (approximately $F708.5 million) back to New Zealand.
This trading success is being celebrated as a testament to the Duavata partnership between the two nations. “2025 was a year focused on enhancing our journey towards achieving the $NZ2 billion trade target set by our prime ministers during the 2024 FNZBC-NZFBC joint conference,” Trusler stated. He noted that the trade figures are reaching record levels, and tourism numbers continue to remain steady.
As of March last year, two-way trade was recorded at $1.39 billion, reflecting a growing economic relationship. New Zealand’s High Commission First Secretary, Adham Crichton, previously noted that New Zealand had exported $849.24 million worth of goods to Fiji, while imports from Fiji totaled $542.38 million.
Investment Fiji recognizes New Zealand as one of Fiji’s most crucial economic partners, contributing significantly as a source of tourists, remittances, and an important market for Fijian goods like kava, bottled water, seafood, and garments.
Greg Andrews, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, commended the members of the FNZBC for their collaborative efforts that strengthen the relationship between the two countries and work towards the shared trade target. Andrews emphasized that the practical strategies required to meet this goal have been shaped through the efforts of both business councils and relevant agencies such as Investment Fiji and the Fiji Trade Commission.
He affirmed the development of a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving the $2 billion target, which will be further discussed at the upcoming annual conference of the Fiji New Zealand Business Councils in Nadi this year. This conference is seen as an opportunity to assess progress and plan the next steps required for both nations to reach their trade ambitions.
The establishment of this trade goal, spearheaded by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during their joint conference in 2024, reflects a shared commitment to bolster economic ties and foster growth between Fiji and New Zealand. The continuing collaboration between the two countries not only highlights their vibrant trading relationship but also offers a hopeful outlook for future economic prosperity in the region.
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