Kiribati Major Exports
Kiribati, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, has a limited but significant export economy that is largely dependent on its marine resources. The country’s geographical isolation and small land area mean that its primary exports come from fishing, agriculture, and marine-related products. Despite these constraints, Kiribati continues to engage in international trade with neighboring countries and beyond. Below is an overview of Kiribati’s major exports and their respective trade values.
Major Export Categories
1. Fish and Seafood
Fishing is the most important sector in Kiribati’s economy. The country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is vast, and it is home to abundant tuna populations, which form the basis of its primary export. Kiribati exports both fresh and canned fish, primarily to Asia and global markets.
- Trade Value: Fish and seafood contribute around $50 million annually to Kiribati’s export revenue.
- The major markets for Kiribati’s fish products include Japan, the United States, and other countries in the Pacific and Asia.
Key Products:
- Tuna: Kiribati exports tuna, which is processed both as fresh and canned fish, with a significant portion sent to Asian markets such as Japan and South Korea.
- Other Fish: The country also exports various types of fish, including snapper, marlin, and mackerel.
- Fish Meal and Fish Oil: By-products of the fishing industry, such as fish meal and fish oil, are also exported, primarily used in animal feed and industrial applications.
2. Copra
Copra, the dried meat of coconuts, is one of Kiribati’s traditional exports. The country produces copra from its coconut plantations and exports it to global markets, particularly in Asia and the Pacific region.
- Trade Value: Copra exports contribute approximately $15 million annually to Kiribati’s economy.
- The major export markets for copra include the Philippines, the United States, and other Pacific Island nations.
Key Products:
- Copra: The dried coconut meat is processed into copra for oil extraction, used in various industries such as food production, cosmetics, and biodiesel production.
- Coconut Oil: Extracted coconut oil is another key export, used in food products, soaps, and cosmetics.
- Coconut-based Products: Other coconut-based products, such as copra cake (used for animal feed), are also exported from Kiribati.
3. Agricultural Products
Agriculture in Kiribati is limited due to the country’s small land area and limited fertile soil. However, the country does produce some agricultural goods for export, including tropical fruits, vegetables, and root crops. While agricultural exports are smaller in volume compared to fish, they still contribute to Kiribati’s export economy.
- Trade Value: Agricultural products contribute around $5 million annually to Kiribati’s export revenue.
- The primary markets for Kiribati’s agricultural exports are nearby Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa.
Key Products:
- Coconut Products: Aside from copra, other coconut products, such as coconut water, are increasingly being exported.
- Taro and Sweet Potatoes: Root crops such as taro and sweet potatoes are cultivated for export to neighboring countries in the Pacific.
- Fresh Fruit: Kiribati exports small amounts of tropical fruits like bananas and papayas to regional markets.
4. Seaweed
Kiribati also exports seaweed, particularly red and brown algae, which are harvested from its coastal waters. Seaweed is used in various industries, including food production (especially in Asian cuisine), cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Trade Value: Seaweed exports contribute approximately $2 million annually to Kiribati’s export economy.
- Major export markets for seaweed include Japan, China, and other countries in Asia.
Key Products:
- Red and Brown Algae: Kiribati exports various types of algae, which are used in food products such as sushi and agar-agar, as well as in cosmetic products like lotions and creams.
- Seaweed-based Products: The country also exports processed seaweed products, including dried seaweed for culinary and medicinal uses.
5. Mineral Products
The mining sector in Kiribati is relatively underdeveloped, but there are some small-scale exports related to mineral resources. Kiribati is known to have phosphate deposits, although mining is limited due to environmental concerns and the country’s focus on preserving its natural resources.
- Trade Value: Mineral product exports contribute a modest amount of revenue, approximately $1 million annually.
- Key markets for mineral exports include nearby Pacific Islands and Australia.
Key Products:
- Phosphate: Kiribati exports small quantities of phosphate, which is used in fertilizers.
- Sand and Gravel: The country also exports sand and gravel for use in construction, although this is a smaller sector.
6. Handicrafts and Cultural Products
The handicrafts sector plays a smaller, yet culturally significant, role in Kiribati’s exports. Local artisans produce traditional crafts that are valued by international buyers, particularly those interested in Pacific Island culture and art.
- Trade Value: Handicrafts contribute around $1 million annually to Kiribati’s export economy.
- Major markets for handicrafts include the United States, Europe, and other Pacific Island nations.
Key Products:
- Traditional Art: Kiribati exports traditional artwork, including paintings, carvings, and woven textiles.
- Crafts: Handcrafted items such as baskets, mats, and jewelry are also part of the export market.
- Wooden Crafts: The country produces and exports wooden sculptures and utensils, made from locally sourced materials.
Kiribati’s export economy is heavily reliant on its marine resources, including tuna, copra, and seaweed, which are key drivers of its trade with global markets. The agricultural sector, while smaller, contributes with products like coconut-based goods and root crops. As the country continues to leverage its natural resources and cultural heritage, its export sector remains vital for economic growth and sustainability.
Top Products Exported by Kiribati
Market Value: 16 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Frozen Fish | 3,067 | 19.12 | -84.64 |
| 2 | Live Fish | 858 | 5.35 | 7.51 |
| 3 | Locust Beans | 298 | 1.86 | 0.00 |
| 4 | Molluscs | 274 | 1.71 | 77.75 |
| 5 | Shell Fish | 150 | 0.94 | 12.06 |
| 6 | Dried Fish | 123 | 0.77 | 252.72 |
| 7 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 78 | 0.49 | 0.00 |
| 8 | Salt | 68 | 0.42 | 0.00 |
| 9 | Postage & Revenue Stamps | 53 | 0.33 | 1,055.37 |
| 10 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 47 | 0.29 | 83.93 |
| 11 | Aluminum Waste & Scrap | 45 | 0.28 | 286.68 |
| 12 | Fresh Fish | 29 | 0.18 | 1,233.92 |
| 13 | Passenger Vehicles | 25 | 0.15 | 95.27 |
| 14 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 22 | 0.14 | 1,008.31 |
| 15 | Non Wovens | 20 | 0.13 | 0.00 |
| 16 | Lamps & Lighting Fittings | 18 | 0.11 | 0.00 |
| 17 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 14 | 0.09 | -89.53 |
| 18 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 14 | 0.09 | 8.59 |
| 19 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 10 | 0.06 | 475.47 |
| 20 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 7 | 0.04 | 72.39 |
| 21 | Transister & Semiconductor Devices | 6 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 22 | Hand Tools | 6 | 0.04 | 813.94 |
| 23 | Plastic Containers | 5 | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| 24 | Leather Apparel & Accessories | 5 | 0.03 | -5.45 |
| 25 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 4 | 0.02 | -98.68 |
| 26 | Measuring or Checking Instruments | 3 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 27 | Candles | 3 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 28 | Knitted Sweaters | 3 | 0.02 | 206.15 |
| 29 | Dates | 3 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Articles of Plastics | 2 | 0.01 | -48.66 |
| 31 | Photocopy Apparatus | 2 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 32 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 2 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 33 | Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony | 2 | 0.01 | -68.40 |
| 34 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 2 | 0.01 | 34.56 |
| 35 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 2 | 0.01 | -61.61 |
| 36 | Hand-Operated Spanners & Wrenches | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 37 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 38 | Files, Pliers & Shears | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 39 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 40 | Knitted Gloves | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 41 | Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel | 0 | 0.00 | -99.37 |
| 42 | Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis | 0 | 0.00 | -76.19 |
| 43 | Furniture & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 44 | Collectors Items of Botanic | 0 | 0.00 | -87.84 |
| 45 | Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 46 | Articles of Iron & Steel | 0 | 0.00 | -88.79 |
| 47 | Glassware For Table | 0 | 0.00 | -88.77 |
| 48 | Drawing Instruments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 49 | Books | 0 | 0.00 | -89.82 |
| 50 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 0 | 0.00 | -90.31 |
| 51 | Pictures & Photos | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 52 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 0 | 0.00 | -99.33 |
| 53 | Worn Clothing | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 54 | Sand Blasting Machines | 0 | 0.00 | -92.70 |
| 55 | Knives & Blades For Machines & Appliances | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 56 | Electric Light Equipment | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 57 | Filters & Centrifuges | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 58 | Fish Fillets | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 59 | Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 60 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 0 | 0.00 | -98.69 |
| 61 | Interchange Hand & Machine Tools | 0 | 0.00 | -99.94 |
| 62 | Lobsters & Crabs | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 63 | Pumps For Liquids | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 64 | Sewing Machines | 0 | 0.00 | -99.62 |
| 65 | Springs & Leaves For Springs | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 66 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 0 | 0.00 | -99.98 |
