The government has welcomed the United States’ decision to reduce the reciprocal tariff on Fijian-origin exports from 32 percent to 15 percent, with negotiations still underway that could see a further reduction and the development of a ‘Zero List’ – a list of Fijian exports that may qualify for 0 percent tariffs.
They say this development follows sustained and principled engagement by Fiji with the Office of the United States Trade Representative, aimed at protecting market access for Fijian goods.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica says this is a strong signal that early and principled engagement works.
He says they made their case clearly, and the U.S. has responded positively.
Kamikamica says this reduction offers welcome relief to our exporters and helps preserve their competitiveness in the U.S. market.
He says the reduced tariff rate will take effect from 8 August 2025, applying to all goods of Fijian origin unless excluded under specific provisions.
The Deputy Prime Minister says the 15 percent tariff is not the end of the journey. He says as referred to in the Executive Order of 1 August 2025, Fiji is designated as a country in ongoing negotiations with the United States.
Kamikamica says they remain committed to advancing these discussions in good faith and their ultimate goal is to significantly reduce the 15 percent tariff and explore all available avenues to ensure improved and sustained market access for Fijian exports.
He says Fiji’s case, as is the case for other Pacific Island Countries, is grounded in compelling facts and economic reason where Fiji accounts for less than 0.0001 percent of total U.S. imports, posing no discernible threat to U.S. industry.
The Deputy Prime Minister says Fijian exports are largely small-scale, niche, non-competing and seasonal, often complementing rather than substituting U.S. production.
He says Fiji’s weighted average tariff on U.S. goods is around 1.8 percent, with over 60 percent of tariff lines already set at zero.
Kamikamica says these facts reinforce Fiji’s position that the application of additional tariffs on Fijian goods warrants careful reconsideration in light of our trade profile and longstanding cooperation.
He confirms technical discussions with USTR are ongoing, particularly on the development of a proposed “Zero List”— a list of Fijian exports that may qualify for 0 percent tariffs.
Kamikamica says this list will focus on products not produced in the U.S., offering a competitive edge for Fijian exporters.
He says Fiji remains committed to securing even better outcomes for its exporters and ensuring that Fijian products are competitive, visible, and accessible in the U.S. market.
He further says Fiji’s proactive and constructive approach has not only advanced its national interests but has also delivered broader regional gains.
The United States has confirmed that the uniform 15 percent tariff rate now applies to a number of Pacific Island Countries, many of which were previously subject to higher rates, as a direct result of Fiji’s persistent advocacy on behalf of the region.
Kamikamica adds this outcome affirms Fiji’s approach to meaningful negotiations that deliver concrete benefits for our exporters and it is also a positive step in deepening our bilateral trade ties with the U.S.
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