The Republic of Fiji has traditionally been the economic, transportation, and academic hub of the South Pacific islands, with trade and investment potential in infrastructure development, energy, mining, health, and agriculture.  The United States is Fiji’s main destination for its exports, accounting for 23.9 percent of Fiji’s total merchandise exports.  Total two-way trade between the United States and Fiji in 2021 reached $419 million with a $57 million trade surplus by Fiji.   The United States is also the fifth largest source of merchandise imports into Fiji. In 2021, top U.S. exports to Fiji included airplanes & other aircrafts and other instruments & appliances used in medical, surgical, or dental sciences.

The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic effected Fiji’s main island Viti Levu by restricting domestic movements and economic activity and has had a devastating impact on Fiji’s economy.  Following the reopening of Fiji’s border for international travel in December 2021, the tourism industry is steadily recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. Fiji’s economy is expected to grow by 11.3 percent in 2022 following a 4.1 percent decline in 2021. Tourist arrivals in 2022 are expected to increase by 1,314 percent to more than 400,000 visitors, from only 41,000 visitor arrivals in 2021.  In 2022 Q1, the Fiji labor market saw a 149.8 percent increase in job vacancies across all sectors mainly driven by the tourism industry. As of early 2022, more than 3,000 Fijians have been recruited under seasonal worker programs in Australia, with more expected to join.  Personal remittances from Fijians working overseas grew in 2022 Q1 by 10.1% to $138.68 (FJ$303 million). Geo-political tensions continue as the country prepares for its General Elections due to take place sometime between July 2022 – January 2023.

Political & Economic Environment:  State Department’s website for background on the country’s political environment.