Fiji’s fish processing industry is set to benefit significantly following the European Union’s activation of the global sourcing derogation under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA). This move allows Fiji to source raw fish from foreign-flagged vessels, facilitating local processing of these fish before exporting the value-added products to the EU duty-free.
According to the Ministry of Trade, this development opens up new avenues for Fiji’s fisheries sector, potentially creating jobs and driving growth in local fish processing. Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, highlighted how this approval aligns with the Fijian Government’s strategy to diversify its exports and strengthen access to high-value markets.
The global sourcing derogation enables Fiji to import eligible raw fish and still benefit from preferential access to the EU market, thereby greatly enhancing the country’s export capabilities. The permanent secretary for Trade, Shaheen Ali, expressed optimism for future discussions with the EU to extend these arrangements to include fresh and frozen fish, which represents a significant market opportunity for Fiji.
This initiative follows the formal request made by the Fijian Government in April 2025, backed by comprehensive technical documentation and stakeholder consultations. The EU’s decision on July 30 to recognize processed fishery products manufactured in Fiji from non-originating raw materials as originating products under the IEPA reflects a promising trend towards sustainable growth and deeper trade relations.
Fiji’s proactive engagement with the EU not only aims to maximize the benefits from trade agreements but also emphasizes the potential for sustainable economic development in the fisheries sector. With comparatives to the successful experiences of other Pacific nations like Papua New Guinea, Fiji is positioning itself as a competitive regional hub for high-value seafood production, exemplifying a hopeful outlook for its fisheries and overall economy.
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