Fiji and Australia have not only been neighbours in the Pacific region but also been trade partners with Australia being Fiji’s key trading and commercial partner as well as being the largest foreign investor in the country. Whether you’re importing to Australia or exporting to Fiji, with a reliable freight forwarding company, you yourself will be able to reap the benefits of being part of a Two-way trade with each country being one of the top sources and destinations for import and export as per Australia Trade Commission.
The Fijian domestic population is approximately 870,000 strong, with food and beverages taking up the majority slice of the Fiji Imports pie, where retail and food service brings in more volume over the concentrated food processing industry. The grocery retail sub-sector is the largest being three times the size of the food service industry with the greater Suva region excelling in retail sales as half of the Fijian population resides there.
Australian Exports to Fiji include the likes of the following;
- Frozen Meat & Seafood
- Confectionery Items
- Cereal
- Spices
- Dairy
- Wine, Beer and Beverages
- Fresh produce
- Fruits (Canned)
- Condiments (Sauces and spreads)
- Health bars/Snack products
As of the 2014 budget, duty on food supplements was reduced to 0%, however diary, meat products and fresh produce still face import duties. It should also be noted that Australia is also the largest wine supplier to Fiji. With proper procedures taken for packing and shipping from Australia to Fiji, you will be able to tap into this market if you have a successful wine making business or planning on entering into the game.
When it comes to exporting to Fiji from Australia, there are many opportunities that an Australian business can enter into the Fijian market. Australian Businesses dealing in the following products are ideal choice when exporting to Fiji;
- Australian Lamb and Beef (Hospitality/Food service sector)
- Fresh Fruit/Vegetables
- Retail UHT Dairy items
- Consolidated Shipments Food items
- Beverages
- Food Processing Accessories
- Food Packaging
According to Australian Trade Commission (2014), “all imports attract a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 15 per cent. Excise taxes on alcoholic beverages range from FJ$1.24 to FJ$38.07 per litre whilst excise on tobacco products also varies according to content“.
Furthermore, it’s been noted by Australian Trade Commission that with regards to market entry when exporting to Fiji, Australian exporters will find that the following key points will be adventurous to penetrate the Fijian food and beverage market.
- Exporters who are able to export in small volumes at regular intervals find it easier to penetrate the market as orders can be relatively small
- Competitively priced and innovatively packed products can usually find a niche in Fiji
- It is important to identify the appropriate distribution channels to sell, service and promote products in Fiji
- Visit the market regularly and develop relationships with customers
- Have the drive to remain focused and be patient
- Buyers want to see the product, its colour, feel and taste before they can commit to buying. So when making contact with potential distributors, it is advisable to send them samples to help them make informed decisions.
It’s also been said that a trial export shipment would be advisable when attempting to gauge the projected success of a product.
Penetrate the Fijian market with by using Transco Cargo shipping services when exporting to Fiji from Australia.
Reference: Australian Trade Commission (2015)