Fijian exporters are growing as 72 percent are expecting export revenue to increase over the coming year, however, access to finance remains a challenge with 67 percent of exporters report difficulty obtaining finance, up sharply from 49 percent in 2024, while high operating costs remain the leading barrier to export growth.
This has been highlighted in the Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026, published by Pacific Trade Invest Australia.
Australia and New Zealand remain Fiji’s principal export markets, although the United States has emerged as the leading target for future expansion.
The survey identifies access to finance as the country’s most pressing export challenge.
It states that exporters ranked grants, introductions to overseas buyers and freight and logistics support as the assistance most likely to help them expand internationally.
Pacific Trade Invest Australia Trade Commissioner, Tim Martin says the findings showed an export sector with strong foundations and considerable scope for further growth.
Martin says what is particularly encouraging is the way businesses are using trade agreements and new technologies to compete internationally.
He says the sharp increase in exporters reporting difficulty accessing finance is a concern and addressing that constraint will be important if businesses are to invest, expand production and take full advantage of opportunities in existing and new markets.
Investment Fiji Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty says with that knowledge, Investment Fiji will sharpen their support, strengthen advocacy, and ensure their policies match the needs of our exporters.
Chetty says they will use these insights to design targeted programs, unlock new financing pathways, and connect businesses to high-growth markets like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The CEO says the report would help shape future support for exporters.
Chetty says the findings provide an invaluable snapshot of where Fiji’s export sector stands, and where it needs to go.
He says they see immense resilience and opportunity, but also clear pressure points, especially around financing.
The CEO says Fiji's businesses have proven they can compete on the world stage and now they need the backing to match their ambition.
The survey also found Fijian exporters recorded a net export revenue growth balance of +22 over the past year, slightly above the Pacific average, while 72 percent expect export revenue to increase over the next 12 months.
Nearly two-thirds of businesses surveyed have been exporting for more than four years.
It also found that Fiji also stands out in its use of trade agreements. While 97 percent of non-tourism exporters are eligible under at least one free trade agreement, 46 percent report receiving commercial benefits, almost double the Pacific average.
According to the report, the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement, the Melanesian Spearhead Group Trade Agreement and South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement (SPARTECA) deliver the greatest reported value.
The survey also reports that digital adoption is another area in which Fiji performs strongly where 47 percent of exporters already use artificial intelligence, compared with the Pacific average of 38 percent, while a further 38 percent intend to adopt AI within the next year.
