Fijian exporters remain confident about their international prospects and are leading the Pacific in the use of trade agreements and artificial intelligence, although access to finance is becoming an increasingly serious constraint on growth, according to a new report jointly published by Pacific Trade Invest Australia and Investment Fiji.

The Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026 – Fiji Spotlight is one of several companion reports developed from the main Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026, published by Pacific Trade Invest Australia. While the regional survey provides an overview of export trends across the Pacific, the Fiji report takes a closer look at exporter performance, market priorities, access to finance, digital adoption and business resilience.

Pacific Trade Invest Australia Trade Commissioner, Mr. Tim Martin said the findings showed an export sector with strong foundations and considerable scope for further growth.

“Fijian exporters continue to show confidence in their international prospects, with 72 per cent expecting export revenue to increase over the coming year. What is particularly encouraging is the way businesses are using trade agreements and new technologies to compete internationally,” Mr. Martin said.

“But the sharp increase in exporters reporting difficulty accessing finance is a concern. 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, Mr. Kamal Chetty said the report would help shape future support for exporters.

“The findings provide an invaluable snapshot of where Fiji’s export sector stands, and where it needs to go. We see immense resilience and opportunity, but also clear pressure points, especially around financing.,” Mr. Chetty said.

"Fiji's businesses have proven they can compete on the world stage. Now they need the backing to match their ambition.

“With that knowledge, Investment Fiji will sharpen our support, strengthen our advocacy, and ensure our policies match the needs of our exporters. We will use these insights to design targeted programs, unlock new financing pathways, and connect our businesses to high-growth markets like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.”

The survey found Fijian exporters recorded a net export revenue growth balance of +22 over the past year, slightly above the Pacific average, while 72 per cent expect export revenue to increase over the next 12 months. Nearly two-thirds of businesses surveyed have been exporting for more than four years.

Fiji also stands out in its use of trade agreements. While 97 per cent of non-tourism exporters are eligible under at least one free trade agreement, 46 per cent report receiving commercial benefits, almost double the Pacific average. The Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Trade Agreement and South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement (SPARTECA) deliver the greatest reported value.

Digital adoption is another area in which Fiji performs strongly. Forty-seven per cent of exporters already use artificial intelligence, compared with the Pacific average of 38 per cent, while a further 38 per cent intend to adopt AI within the next year.

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. Sixty-seven per cent of exporters report difficulty obtaining finance, up sharply from 49 per cent in 2024, while high operating costs remain the leading barrier to export growth.

Exporters ranked grants, introductions to overseas buyers and freight and logistics support as the assistance most likely to help them expand internationally. The findings reinforce the importance of practical support that helps businesses connect with international markets, strengthen commercial partnerships and overcome barriers to growth.

The Fiji Spotlight is part of the broader Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026 series, which includes regional, country and sector reports covering agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, providing policymakers and businesses with detailed insights into export performance and opportunities across the Pacific.
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About Pacific Trade Invest:

PTI Australia is the Pacific region's lead trade and investment facilitation agency and has proudly served the region for over 40 years. As an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, PTI Australia works to improve the livelihoods of Pacific people by enabling decent work and sustainable economic growth across the Blue Pacific. The organization helps develop and promote Pacific Island businesses in export, investment, and tourism to the Australian market, which remains a key strategic partner for the region. With a strong focus on digital innovation, capacity building, and upskilling, PTI Australia is committed to being a digital leader and enabler for the Blue Pacific.

For more information, visit: https://www.pacifictradeinvest.com/about-us/pti-australia/

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