Marshall Islands Major Exports
The Marshall Islands, a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, has an export economy that is closely tied to its marine resources, agriculture, and services. Due to its geographical location and relatively small industrial base, the country primarily exports fish products, copra, and a range of other products that are sourced from its natural resources. The economy is also influenced by government aid and foreign investments. Below is an overview of the major exports from the Marshall Islands and their respective trade values.
Major Export Categories
1. Fish and Seafood
The Marshall Islands has rich marine biodiversity, making fish and seafood the country’s primary export. The fishing industry, including tuna fishing, is vital to the nation’s economy, with the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) providing abundant opportunities for both local and foreign fishing fleets.
- Trade Value: Fish and seafood exports contribute around $70 million annually to the Marshall Islands’ export economy.
- The primary export markets for fish products are Japan, the United States, and other countries in Asia.
Key Products:
- Tuna: The Marshall Islands is known for exporting both frozen and canned tuna, which is one of the world’s most popular fish.
- Other Fish Products: The country also exports various other fish products, including snapper, marlin, and swordfish, primarily to Asian markets.
- Fish Meal and Fish Oil: By-products of the fishing industry, such as fish meal and fish oil, are also exported for use in agriculture and industry.
2. Coconut Products (Copra)
Copra, the dried meat of coconuts, is a traditional export of the Marshall Islands. The copra industry is important for the rural economy, with many locals relying on coconut farming for income. The copra is processed into oil, which is then used for cooking, cosmetics, and industrial purposes.
- Trade Value: Coconut products, including copra, contribute approximately $10 million annually to the country’s export revenue.
- Major markets for copra and its by-products include the Philippines, the United States, and other countries in the Pacific region.
Key Products:
- Copra: The dried coconut meat is processed into copra for oil extraction and export.
- Coconut Oil: The oil extracted from copra is one of the most valuable exports, used in cooking, soap production, and cosmetics.
- Coconut-based Products: Other coconut-based products, such as copra cake (used as animal feed), are also exported.
3. Agricultural Products
Agriculture in the Marshall Islands is limited due to the country’s small land area and reliance on imported goods. However, the country does produce a variety of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and some root crops, which are exported to regional markets.
- Trade Value: Agricultural products contribute around $5 million annually to the Marshall Islands’ export economy.
- The main export destinations for agricultural products include other Pacific Islands, Japan, and the United States.
Key Products:
- Fruits and Vegetables: The Marshall Islands exports tropical fruits such as bananas, papayas, and coconuts, along with root crops like taro.
- Non-Traditional Agricultural Products: The country also exports small quantities of other agricultural products, including seaweed and local spices, to neighboring islands and Asia.
4. Processed Foods and Beverages
While the Marshall Islands imports most of its food products, it does have a small food processing sector that exports processed foods and beverages. The export of processed food products includes canned and dried goods, as well as beverages like bottled water and coconut-based drinks.
- Trade Value: Processed food and beverage exports contribute around $3 million annually to the export economy.
- The main export markets for processed foods include neighboring Pacific Islands and Asia.
Key Products:
- Canned Fish: Canned fish, particularly tuna, is processed and exported to regional and global markets.
- Bottled Water: The Marshall Islands also exports bottled water, taking advantage of its clean water resources.
- Coconut Beverages: Coconut milk and other coconut-based beverages are processed and exported to international markets.
5. Textiles and Clothing
The Marshall Islands has a small but growing textiles and clothing industry, with local artisans creating traditional garments and handicrafts. While the export volume is not large, the sector has seen growth due to rising demand for traditional Pacific Island crafts.
- Trade Value: Textiles and clothing exports contribute around $1 million annually to the Marshall Islands’ export economy.
- The primary markets for textiles and clothing exports are neighboring Pacific Islands, Australia, and the United States.
Key Products:
- Handmade Garments: Traditional garments such as sarongs, skirts, and shirts are produced and exported to regional markets.
- Handicrafts: The country exports various handcrafted items, including woven products, baskets, and traditional jewelry.
6. Services (Tourism)
Although not a physical good, tourism is a significant export sector for the Marshall Islands. The country’s beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and unique culture attract tourists, especially from the United States and other Pacific nations. While services are not typically classified under traditional exports, the revenue generated from tourism is a vital part of the economy.
- Trade Value: Tourism-related services contribute a large portion to the economy, although it is difficult to quantify in exact numbers, the sector contributes substantially to the GDP.
- Key markets for tourism services include the United States, Japan, and other countries in the Pacific region.
Key Products:
- Tourist Services: Hotels, resorts, and guided tours are an integral part of the services exported by the country.
- Cultural Experiences: The Marshall Islands also exports cultural experiences, including traditional performances, food, and local crafts.
7. Other Exports
In addition to the main export categories, the Marshall Islands also exports a variety of smaller products, including handicrafts, scrap metal, and natural resources such as phosphate and guano, used in agriculture.
- Trade Value: Other exports contribute around $2 million annually to the economy.
- Major export markets include the United States, regional countries in the Pacific, and Asia.
Key Products:
- Scrap Metal: The country exports metal scrap for recycling, primarily to Japan and other parts of Asia.
- Phosphate: Small quantities of phosphate, used in fertilizers, are also exported to regional markets.
The export economy of the Marshall Islands is primarily driven by its marine resources, with fish and seafood being the most significant export. Other key sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and processed foods also play important roles in the country’s trade balance. Despite its small size, the Marshall Islands continues to leverage its natural resources, tourism, and growing industries to participate in global trade.
Top Products Exported by Marshall Islands
Market Value: 1,203 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Vessels For Transport | 324,048 | 26.94 | 148.54 |
| 2 | Yachts & Other Pleasure Vessels | 56,205 | 4.67 | 0.00 |
| 3 | Frozen Fish | 29,017 | 2.41 | 1,004.56 |
| 4 | Fresh Fish | 4,140 | 0.34 | -53.87 |
| 5 | Fish Fillets | 3,650 | 0.30 | 17,261.77 |
| 6 | Live Fish | 495 | 0.04 | -15.52 |
| 7 | Tugs & Pusher Craft | 401 | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| 8 | Coral & Shell | 324 | 0.03 | 182.84 |
| 9 | Bed & Table Linen | 286 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 10 | Sheep Skins – No Wool | 229 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 11 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 221 | 0.02 | -15.22 |
| 12 | Copper Waste & Scrap | 218 | 0.02 | 268.71 |
| 13 | Oilcake From Fats | 155 | 0.01 | 345.71 |
| 14 | Printed Circuits | 130 | 0.01 | 587.20 |
| 15 | Plastic Containers | 126 | 0.01 | 5,407.71 |
| 16 | Optical Lenses & Fibers | 120 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 17 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 106 | 0.01 | -59.68 |
| 18 | Alcoholic Beverages | 102 | 0.01 | 140.26 |
| 19 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 85 | 0.01 | 1,338.72 |
| 20 | Plastic Tubes | 73 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 21 | Tape Recorders | 71 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 22 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 64 | 0.01 | -50.28 |
| 23 | Seats & Parts | 61 | 0.01 | 334.02 |
| 24 | Transister & Semiconductor Devices | 56 | 0.00 | -98.91 |
| 25 | Products of Plaiting Materials | 54 | 0.00 | 5,618.66 |
| 26 | Engine Parts | 40 | 0.00 | -71.20 |
| 27 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 40 | 0.00 | 847.51 |
| 28 | Air Conditioners | 39 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 29 | Ferrous Waste & Scrap | 39 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Molluscs | 35 | 0.00 | -73.25 |
| 31 | Electric Lasers | 32 | 0.00 | -22.09 |
| 32 | Coffee | 27 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 33 | Battery Waste | 21 | 0.00 | 1,078.50 |
| 34 | Paint & Varnish | 18 | 0.00 | 159.39 |
| 35 | Turntables & Cassette Players | 18 | 0.00 | -75.91 |
| 36 | Pharmaceutical Articles of Rubber | 17 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 37 | Knitted T-Shirts | 14 | 0.00 | -39.21 |
| 38 | Floating Structures, Rafts & Buoys | 14 | 0.00 | 900.35 |
| 39 | Cut Flowers & Buds | 12 | 0.00 | 138.84 |
| 40 | Cycle Parts & Assessories | 12 | 0.00 | -10.82 |
| 41 | Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts | 10 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 42 | Polyethers | 8 | 0.00 | -57.26 |
| 43 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 8 | 0.00 | -72.61 |
| 44 | Hand Tools | 7 | 0.00 | -55.66 |
| 45 | Office Paper | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 46 | Lamps & Lighting Fittings | 7 | 0.00 | 75.04 |
| 47 | Fresh Fruit | 6 | 0.00 | -89.00 |
| 48 | Articles of Jewelry & Parts | 6 | 0.00 | 245.13 |
| 49 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 5 | 0.00 | -98.35 |
| 50 | Breathing Appliances & Gas Masks | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 51 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 5 | 0.00 | -99.29 |
| 52 | Articles of Plastics | 4 | 0.00 | -78.62 |
| 53 | Other Animals | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 54 | Foliage | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 55 | Interchange Hand & Machine Tools | 3 | 0.00 | 213.50 |
| 56 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 57 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 58 | Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 59 | Articles of Vulcanized Rubber | 3 | 0.00 | -42.00 |
| 60 | Electric Storage Batteries | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 61 | Electrical Switching Boards | 2 | 0.00 | 29.50 |
| 62 | Apparel & Accessories of Rubber | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 63 | Non Crude Oil | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 64 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 65 | Cigars & Cigarettes | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 66 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 1 | 0.00 | -95.11 |
| 67 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 1 | 0.00 | 16.43 |
| 68 | Plastic Textile Fabrics | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 69 | Shell Fish | 1 | 0.00 | -3.47 |
| 70 | Furniture & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -92.47 |
| 71 | Records & Tapes | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 72 | Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 73 | Electric Water Heaters | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 74 | Electrical Resistors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 75 | Pens & Mechanical Pencils | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 76 | TV Receivers | 0 | 0.00 | -98.23 |
| 77 | Citrus Fruit | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 78 | Knitted Pantyhose | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 79 | Books | 0 | 0.00 | -99.91 |
