U.S. goods exports to Fiji in 2022: $63.5 million1
Two-way trade in goods between the United States and Fiji in 2022: $351.2 million1
Fiji’s GDP per capita (2022) is $5,336.18 (FJ$11,885.10) 2
The United States is the eighth largest source of merchandise imports into Fiji3
1 Source United States Census Bureau
2 Source: Reserve Bank of Fiji, 2021- 2022 Annual Report
3 Source: Fiji Bureau of Statistics
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, health, ICT, and agriculture. Fiji’s top export market is the United States accounting for 31.9 percent of Fiji’s total merchandise exports, with top export commodities being mineral water, gold, textiles, and agricultural products. In 2022, Fiji had a $224.3 million trade surplus in goods with the United States.
Top U.S. exports to Fiji include computer and electronic products, transportation equipment, chemicals, and processed foods. Fijian goods exported to the United States can be traded under the Generalized System of Preferences for which Fiji is eligible. Fiji does not currently have a free trade agreement or double taxation agreement with the United States. Fiji’s top import sources are from Singapore (for oil and gas imports), People’s Republic of China, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
Fiji’s economy is expected to grow by 6.0 percent in 2023 following a growth of 15.6 percent in 2022 and anticipates a rebound to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. Fiji depends largely on its tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors for national revenue and employment for locals. Tourist arrivals are expected to reach 760,231 in 2023, which constitutes 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels, an increase from 636,312 visitor arrivals in 2022.
Fiji’s labor crunch continues to be an issue affecting restaurant businesses, accounting firms, and healthcare service providers. In 2022, 16,967 Fijians left for employment opportunities abroad, an increase of 31.3 percent from pre-COVID levels. Similarly, 5,335 people emigrated permanently in 2022, an increase of 10.9 percent from 2019. During the first half of 2023, 7,174 individuals departed for Fiji for employment abroad while 1,217 permanently emigrated. Inward remittances surpassed $446.2 million (FJ$1 billion), a 23 percent increase from 2022.
Domestic risks include increased labor migration, natural disasters, continuing geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty around fiscal policies.
Political Environment
For background information on the political and economic environment of the country, please click on the link to the U.S. Department of State Countries and Areas website.