Taro market in Fiji

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Fiji's taro production grew steadily, reaching 53 894 t in 2020, while domestic market volume increased to 48 032 t. This expansion was supported by rising export demand, with taro exports valued 8% higher in 2020 than the previous year. The Agro Marketing Authority facilitated direct links between local producers and distributors in key markets like New Zealand and Australia, promoting frozen taro and helping producers respond to international orders.

After a modest rise in 2021, production surged by 20% in 2022 to 65 573 t, and the domestic market volume grew similarly to 58 719 t. This jump was driven by a focused push to improve export competitiveness through varieties such as Tausala-ni-Samoa, alongside growing recognition of taro's potential for value‑added processing into snack foods. The momentum carried into 2023, with production reaching 67 057 t and market volume 61 824 t, though at a slower pace of growth.

Production taro in Fiji

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Fiji ranked as the 19th largest producer of taro globally.

Top producers of taro, 2017-2020

World map of production of taro, 2017-2020

Fiji's taro production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 53 894 tonnes of taro, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Fiji's taro production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 111.8 million US dollars, down 3.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 50.8%, with an annualized rate of 14.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 115.6 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Fiji in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports taro from Fiji

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Fiji's taro export volumes rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 5 861 tonnes, showing a strong 15.8% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 5.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 063 tonnes, with the largest drop of 10.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Fiji in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and Australia were the main buyers of taro from Fiji, together accounting for 86.2% of total exports by volume, while other countries made up the remainder.

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

Fiji's taro export value increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 12.163 million US dollars, up 7.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand and Australia dominated Fiji's taro export market in value terms, jointly representing 80.9% of total flows, with other countries accounting for the rest.

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

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

Imports taro to Fiji

Imports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1 tonne, down 85.9% from the previous year, and peaked in 2018 at 7 tonnes, resulting in a 7.1-fold difference between these years. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 317.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Fiji in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the leading source for Fiji's taro imports by volume, holding a 72.4% share of total flows, while other markets had smaller shares.

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

Market performance exhibited notable fluctuations over this period. Imports hit a low in 2019 at 3 000 US dollars, an 86.4% decrease from 2018, and peaked in 2018 at 24 000 US dollars, creating a 7.4-fold gap. The largest increase was in 2018 at 48.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States and New Zealand were the primary sources for Fiji's taro imports in value terms, together making up 92.3% of total flows, with other partners contributing minimally.

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

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