Exports to USA on the increase

The US has experienced a decline in export from the Pacific Island countries however recorded a small increase from Fiji.

Fiji Trade Commissioner to the USA Ilisoni Vuiderketi said that a small increase by Fiji in exports was noted at a time when others have recorded huge declines.

He said a market survey by the Commission shows that during the six months from October 2008 to March this year, a lot of retail shops that carry Pacific island produce have shut down as overall consumer demand declined due to the increasing unemployment in USA.

He said they expect these challenges to continue in the 3rd quarter of this year as US consumers become more price sensitive and conservative.

He said the recent Fiji dollar devaluation has instantly made Fiji exports 20% cheaper and more attractive for these consumers.

Fiji's main exports to the US this quarter were Tuna loin worth US$14.8million which is a 26% growth, mineral water worth US$8.8 million, a 29% drop, fresh and frozen fish worth US$2.3million, a 10% growth, Timber and Mahogany worth US$1.1million which is an 8% growth and Taro, Cassava and agro produce worth US$458,000 which is a 24% drop.