Tonga Market Opportunities

Tonga’s economy is largely agricultural with 64% of households involved in agricultural production. Tonga’s GDP has experienced consistent growth from USD 60M in 1985 to USD 402M in 2016. Tonga’s two main exports have traditionally been tuna to the United States and squash to Asian markets. Tonga remains dependent on foreign aid and overseas remittances for support.

Although Tonga is a collection of 171 islands in the South Pacific, of which only 45 are occupied, two thirds of the population live on the island of Tongatapu. Tonga is in the vicinity of Fiji, Samoa, and American Samoa.

Raw materials, poultry, consumer goods and capital goods present the most promising opportunities for American companies wanting to export to Tonga. Additionally, there has been a gradual increase in tourists travelling to Tonga – increasing from 29,000 in 1995 to 53,800 in 2015 – which can present hospitality investment opportunities for U.S. firms.

U.S. companies should keep in mind that there are a number of obstacles to doing business in Tonga including, foreigners not being permitted to purchase land, the relatively high freight costs and potentially significant import tariffs. However, it should be noted that American products are well regarded, and are known for their quality.

For further information please contact the United States Embassy, Suva, Fiji, Tel (General): +679 331 4466, Email: commercialsuva@state.gov