Pepper market in Fiji

Earlier Report Observations

The pepper market in Fiji, measured by total volume available, showed notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. From 171.4 tons in 2018, it grew to 175.2 tons in 2019 before contracting to 164.4 tons in 2020 and 158.1 tons in 2021. The market then expanded strongly, reaching 178.0 tons in 2022 and 200.4 tons in 2023. These movements were primarily driven by changes in import volumes, as domestic production remained relatively stable.

Domestic pepper production hovered between 121.2 and 125.2 tons annually, with a slight downward trend after 2020. Imports, however, varied significantly: they rose from 48.0 tons in 2018 to 51.3 tons in 2019, fell to 41.3 tons in 2020 and 38.1 tons in 2021, then surged to 57.9 tons in 2022 and 82.7 tons in 2023. National events such as the main Fiji Day celebration being hosted in Labasa in 2018 may have supported local demand for spices during that period.

In 2024, preliminary trade data shows imports of 61.9 tons and exports of 3.4 tons. The Fijian cabinet's approval of the 2024 public holiday calendar, which includes traditional and religious holidays, can influence consumer purchasing patterns for goods like pepper.

Production pepper in Fiji

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pepper, 2017-2020

World map of production of pepper, 2017-2020

Pepper production in Fiji increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Fiji produced 125.2 tonnes of pepper, showing no significant change compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Fiji in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports pepper from Fiji

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exported pepper volumes from Fiji reached their lowest point in 2018 at 507 kg, then peaked in 2020 at 2 129 kg, representing a dramatic 170.2% year-over-year increase. The difference between these years was 4.2-fold. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 41.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Fiji in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati formed the core of Fiji's pepper exports by volume. New Zealand accounted for 47.8% of exports, Solomon Islands for 15.3%, and Kiribati for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 70.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Fiji in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Fiji's pepper export value reached its lowest point in 2018 at 3.9 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2020 at 10.5 thousand US dollars, representing a 38.8% increase compared to the previous year. The difference between these years was 2.7-fold. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 57.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 94.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Fiji in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Australia accounted for the largest share of Fiji's pepper exports by value. New Zealand represented 44.6% of exports, Solomon Islands 22.2%, and Australia 4.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 71.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Fiji in value, 2017-2020

Imports pepper to Fiji

Imports in kind, kg

In 2020, Fiji's volume of pepper imports reached 41 342 kg, marking a robust decline of 19.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Fiji in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, India, New Zealand, and Singapore were the main sources of pepper imports to Fiji by volume. India accounted for 25.4% of imports, New Zealand for 15.5%, and Singapore for 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 53.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Fiji in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Fiji's cross-border shipments of pepper were recorded at 126.0 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp decline of 39.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 39.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Fiji in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, India, and Australia remained the principal suppliers of pepper to Fiji by value. New Zealand accounted for 23.8% of imports, India for 19.5%, and Australia for 14.4%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 57.7% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Fiji in value, 2017-2020