Fiji's agricultural exports hit record high of $187.2 million
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Fiji's agricultural exports, excluding sugar, reached a record $187.2 million in 2025, a 17.1% increase from the previous year.
- Kava led exports with $79.1 million, followed by taro and turmeric, with the United States remaining the largest market.
- The agricultural trade deficit narrowed due to increased exports and decreased import values, reflecting a stronger export-oriented sector.
Fiji's agricultural sector has achieved a record-breaking year, with fresh and frozen exports, excluding sugar, reaching $187.2 million in 2025. This figure represents a significant 17.1 percent increase from the previous year and marks the highest earnings recorded since 2013. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that export volumes also saw a 3.7 percent rise to 16,720 tonnes.
The achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of farmers, exporters, processors and industry stakeholders across the country.
The agricultural trade deficit has narrowed by $36.8 million to $338.8 million, a positive development attributed to both the surge in exports and a 1.8 percent decrease in import values. Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna highlighted that this achievement is a testament to the dedication of farmers, exporters, and industry stakeholders, underscoring the sector's growing contribution to job creation, rural development, and overall economic growth.
Kava continues to be the leading export commodity, generating $79.1 million and accounting for 42.3 percent of total agricultural exports. Its earnings saw a substantial 48 percent increase compared to 2024. Taro followed as the second-largest export, earning $38.9 million, with turmeric and eggs also showing strong performance. The United States remains Fiji's primary export destination, purchasing $83.6 million worth of agricultural products, followed by New Zealand and Australia. Notably, China has emerged as a significant growth market, with agricultural exports to the country increasing by 307 percent year-on-year for kava.
The milestone demonstrates the growing strength of Fijiโs agricultural sector and its contribution to job creation, rural development and economic growth.
The diversification of exports, driven by high-value commodities like kava and turmeric, is a key factor in this growth. Turmeric exports have more than doubled in the past five years, with the U.S. as the main market. Regional demand, particularly from Pacific Island countries, also contributes to the expansion, especially for eggs and processed goods. Minister Tunabuna stated that these results demonstrate Fiji's success in building a more competitive and export-oriented agricultural industry, creating new economic opportunities for rural communities.
The results demonstrate that Fiji is successfully building a more competitive and export-oriented agricultural industry while creating new economic opportunities for rural communities.
Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.