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Papua New Guinea Major Exports

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Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a resource-rich country in the southwestern Pacific, with a diverse economy driven by natural resources, agriculture, and increasingly by exports of manufactured goods. Despite its small population, the country plays a significant role in the global trade of several key commodities. PNG’s export portfolio is heavily influenced by its mineral wealth, agricultural production, and fisheries. The nation’s exports primarily flow to Asia, Australia, and other Pacific nations, bolstered by its strategic location and established trade links.

1. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Overview of LNG Exports

Papua New Guinea is a major exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a sector that has grown substantially since the start of LNG production in the country. The PNG LNG project, which began operations in 2014, significantly boosted the nation’s export revenues. LNG is a key contributor to PNG’s economy, representing one of its largest export categories.

  • LNG Export Value: PNG exports LNG valued at approximately $4.5 billion annually, making it one of the top exporters in the Pacific region.
  • Production and Capacity: PNG has a production capacity of around 8 million tons per year, with major exports going to markets in Asia, especially Japan, China, and South Korea.

Key Markets for LNG

  • Japan: Japan is the largest buyer of PNG’s LNG, using it for power generation and industrial use.
  • China: China has become an increasingly important market for PNG’s LNG, driven by its growing demand for energy.
  • South Korea: South Korea remains a key importer of PNG LNG, securing substantial volumes for its domestic energy needs.

2. Gold

Overview of Gold Exports

Gold is another critical export for Papua New Guinea, which has abundant gold reserves in various regions of the country. Mining is an essential part of the PNG economy, and the country is known for both large-scale commercial mining and artisanal mining activities. Gold production has been a key export commodity for PNG for decades, bolstering its economic output and foreign exchange reserves.

  • Gold Export Value: Gold exports contribute approximately $2 billion annually to PNG’s economy.
  • Production: Major gold mines, such as those in Porgera, Lihir, and Ok Tedi, provide a steady supply of gold for export.

Key Markets for Gold

  • Australia: As PNG’s closest neighbor and a key trading partner, Australia imports significant amounts of gold from PNG for refining and industrial use.
  • Switzerland: Switzerland is a major trading hub for precious metals, and PNG exports a portion of its gold to be refined and traded globally.
  • United Kingdom: The UK is another significant market for PNG’s gold, especially in the jewelry and investment sectors.

3. Copper

Overview of Copper Exports

Copper is another important export commodity for Papua New Guinea, with the country possessing significant copper deposits. The country’s main copper mine, the Panguna mine on Bougainville Island, was one of the world’s largest until its closure in the 1990s. However, PNG continues to be a major player in the global copper market through new developments and ongoing mining operations.

  • Copper Export Value: Copper exports are valued at approximately $1 billion annually, contributing significantly to the national economy.
  • Production: PNG’s major copper producers include the Ok Tedi and Frieda River mines, with significant copper ore and concentrate production.

Key Markets for Copper

  • China: China is the largest importer of copper from PNG, using it in manufacturing and industrial processes.
  • Japan: Japan imports PNG copper for use in electronics, automotive, and other high-tech industries.
  • South Korea: South Korea is a growing market for PNG copper, driven by its advanced electronics and manufacturing sectors.

4. Oil

Overview of Oil Exports

Oil is a traditional export of Papua New Guinea, with the country producing crude oil primarily from the Kutubu, Gobe, and Moran oil fields. While PNG’s oil production has been overshadowed by its LNG and mineral exports in recent years, it remains a significant contributor to the nation’s export economy.

  • Oil Export Value: Oil exports contribute around $1 billion annually to PNG’s export revenues.
  • Production: Oil production is primarily focused on the offshore fields and the southern Highlands region.

Key Markets for Oil

  • Australia: As PNG’s closest neighbor, Australia remains one of the largest consumers of PNG’s crude oil.
  • China: China is a growing importer of PNG’s crude oil, with demand driven by its large refining capacity.
  • India: India is another significant market for PNG oil, primarily for refining and industrial use.

5. Coffee

Overview of Coffee Exports

Papua New Guinea is renowned for producing some of the finest Arabica coffee in the world. Coffee is grown mainly in the highland regions of the country, where the altitude, climate, and volcanic soils create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The coffee sector in PNG is vital to the rural economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of smallholder farmers.

  • Coffee Export Value: Coffee exports generate approximately $100 million annually.
  • Production: PNG is one of the largest producers of Arabica coffee in the Pacific, with high-quality beans that are highly sought after in specialty markets.

Key Markets for Coffee

  • United States: The U.S. is a significant market for PNG’s premium coffee, particularly in the specialty coffee industry.
  • Japan: Japan imports substantial amounts of coffee, particularly high-quality Arabica, which is favored by Japanese consumers.
  • Australia: Australia is a major importer of PNG coffee, with its growing coffee culture creating strong demand for high-quality beans.

6. Fisheries Products

Overview of Fisheries Exports

Papua New Guinea has an extensive coastline and access to rich marine resources, making fisheries one of the country’s vital export sectors. Fish, particularly tuna, is a significant component of PNG’s exports, with the country’s waters being a prime source for some of the world’s finest tuna.

  • Fisheries Export Value: Fisheries products, including tuna, contribute approximately $400 million annually to PNG’s export revenue.
  • Main Products: Key exports include canned tuna, frozen tuna, and fishmeal.

Key Markets for Fisheries Products

  • United States: The U.S. is a major importer of PNG’s canned and frozen tuna, especially for its domestic seafood industry.
  • Japan: Japan, with its large seafood market, is another major importer of PNG tuna and other fish products.
  • European Union: The EU also imports PNG fisheries products, especially canned tuna, which is popular in European markets.

7. Cocoa

Overview of Cocoa Exports

Cocoa is another important agricultural export for Papua New Guinea, with the country’s tropical climate allowing for the cultivation of high-quality cocoa beans. PNG’s cocoa is highly regarded in the global market, especially for use in premium chocolate production.

  • Cocoa Export Value: Cocoa exports are valued at approximately $50 million annually.
  • Production: Cocoa is grown mainly in the eastern regions of Papua New Guinea, including the Bougainville and East New Britain provinces.

Key Markets for Cocoa

  • United States: The U.S. is a significant market for PNG cocoa, used primarily in chocolate and confectionery products.
  • Europe: European countries, particularly Germany and the Netherlands, are key markets for PNG cocoa beans.
  • Australia: Australia imports PNG cocoa as part of its growing demand for fine chocolate and confectionery products.

Top Products Exported by Papua New Guinea

Top Products Exported by Papua New Guinea

Market Value: 10,797 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024

Rank Product Trade Value (thousands) Share (%) Growth (% 5yr)
1 Crude Oil 1,172,383 10.86 189.02
2 Copper Ores 831,009 7.70 289.21
3 Gold 751,428 6.96 103.07
4 Palm Oil 194,664 1.80 59.94
5 Coffee 139,727 1.29 82.28
6 Non Crude Oil 99,999 0.93 18,796,738.91
7 Cocoa 77,338 0.72 20.25
8 Prepared & Preserved Fish 51,675 0.48 126.15
9 Precious Metal Ores 46,845 0.43 2,832.15
10 Coconut Oil 43,342 0.40 96.63
11 Frozen Fish 40,013 0.37 611.19
12 Lumber 17,908 0.17 -90.84
13 Natural Rubber 10,665 0.10 311.15
14 Molluscs 10,053 0.09 62.80
15 Veneer Sheets 9,286 0.09 47.34
16 Fresh Fish 9,075 0.08 -13.94
17 Tea 7,025 0.07 4.22
18 Shell Fish 5,400 0.05 -49.34
19 Fuel Wood in Logs 5,206 0.05 -19.96
20 Copra 4,385 0.04 -48.75
21 Wood Sawn > 6 mm 4,347 0.04 -65.20
22 Vanilla Beans 3,946 0.04 -29.17
23 Raw Hides & Skins 3,874 0.04 74.52
24 Oil Seeds & Oleaginous Fruits 3,780 0.04 67.93
25 Cane Sugar 3,402 0.03 -43.25
26 Aluminum Waste & Scrap 3,206 0.03 96.30
27 Ferrous Waste & Scrap 2,735 0.03 390.33
28 Plywood 2,665 0.02 237.03
29 Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders 2,581 0.02 3,461.63
30 Oilcake From Fats 2,366 0.02 32.81
31 Meat Flour for Animals 2,258 0.02 227.36
32 Copper Waste & Scrap 1,954 0.02 569.98
33 Coral & Shell 1,863 0.02 107.11
34 Moving & Grading Machinery 1,460 0.01 1,960.35
35 Pasta 1,431 0.01 1,697.14
36 Vessels For Transport 1,386 0.01 1,666.42
37 Articles of Wood 1,171 0.01 9,345.31
38 Fish Fillets 1,140 0.01 255.26
39 Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus 1,051 0.01 33,635.61
40 Interchange Hand & Machine Tools 1,048 0.01 309.77
41 Ind Monocarb Fat Acids 993 0.01 0.00
42 Raw Hides & Skins – No Hair 958 0.01 364.03
43 Ethyl Alcohol > 80% 817 0.01 81.58
44 Petroleum Gases 716 0.01 0.00
45 Bread, Pastry & Cakes 652 0.01 205.85
46 Nutmeg 624 0.01 -37.16
47 Survey Instruments 613 0.01 58.30
48 Articles of Natural Cork 611 0.01 74,717.40
49 Engines & Motors 579 0.01 1,855.14
50 Aircraft Engines 574 0.01 2,277.49
51 Television, Radio & Assessory Parts 568 0.01 523.69
52 Dried Fish 561 0.01 378.22
53 Air & Vacuum Pumps 518 0.00 320.43
54 Bran 510 0.00 159.85
55 Aircraft Parts 503 0.00 19.49
56 Extracts of Meat 501 0.00 -9.40
57 Piston Engines 492 0.00 1,256.43
58 Motor Vehicle Parts 488 0.00 299.10
59 Carpentry of Wood 486 0.00 364.04
60 Flour & Meal of Oil Seed & Olea Fruit 482 0.00 338.33
61 Personal Toilet Preparations 441 0.00 993.32
62 Articles of Iron & Steel 426 0.00 262.23
63 Engine Parts 400 0.00 76.30
64 Live Fish 376 0.00 1,159.08
65 Animal Feed 370 0.00 0.00
66 Paint & Varnish 368 0.00 0.00
67 Seeds 345 0.00 9.76
68 Electronic Integrated Circuits 317 0.00 381.30
69 Locust Beans 307 0.00 0.00
70 Essent Oils Resinoid 289 0.00 15,790.65
71 Pumps For Liquids 273 0.00 192.71
72 Wood, Continuously Shaped (Tongued or Grooved 247 0.00 -42.87
73 Dried Vegetables 237 0.00 0.00
74 Worked Ivory Articles 236 0.00 31,491.98
75 Buttons 232 0.00 56.82
76 Diesel Engines 228 0.00 66.49
77 Soap 228 0.00 166.04
78 Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel 223 0.00 1,852.32
79 Furniture & Parts 217 0.00 93.43
80 Seats & Parts 215 0.00 80.70
81 Measuring or Checking Instruments 191 0.00 436.25
82 Wood Marquetry 189 0.00 -15.58
83 Concentrated Milk & Cream 186 0.00 245.90
84 Collectors Items of Botanic 183 0.00 -71.09
85 Sacks & Bags of Textile Material 180 0.00 0.00
86 Misc Meat & Edible Offal 164 0.00 52.37
87 Computer & Office Machines Parts 162 0.00 1,687.07
88 Instruments for Measure & Check Flow 151 0.00 -63.42
89 Live Plants 150 0.00 0.00
90 Aqueous Paint & Varnishes 150 0.00 0.00
91 Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers 141 0.00 145.77
92 Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts 132 0.00 68.39
93 Containers of Transport 130 0.00 -14.94
94 Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts 115 0.00 1,679.02
95 Other Animals 113 0.00 2,249.70
96 Computers, Printers & Storage Units 107 0.00 41.88
97 Lifting & Handling Machines 102 0.00 900.01
98 Machine Tools For Forging 93 0.00 11,520.20
99 Tanks – < 300 Liter 93 0.00 -30.31
100 Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods 90 0.00 1,395.33
101 Antiques > 100 Years Old 86 0.00 -52.48
102 Cow & Horse Hides 82 0.00 38.52
103 Taps, Cocks & Valves 76 0.00 -12.59
104 Electric Motors & Generators 73 0.00 -80.22
105 Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments 73 0.00 152.72
106 Original Sculptures & Statues 69 0.00 -44.27
107 Misc Fats & Oils 65 0.00 857.41
108 Heavy Construction Equipment 65 0.00 -96.59
109 Cocoa Shells 64 0.00 3.20
110 Machinery For Working Rubber & Plastics 63 0.00 2,952.25
111 Radar Apparatus & Navigation 63 0.00 1,554.82
112 Machinery Parts 61 0.00 891.13
113 Organic Surface-Active Agents 60 0.00 -65.13
114 Mattress Supports 58 0.00 36.78
115 Lobsters & Crabs 56 0.00 -26.34
116 New Pneumatic Tires 56 0.00 -73.54
117 Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts 56 0.00 8.41
118 Sand Blasting Machines 52 0.00 423.90
119 Tube & Pipe Fittings 50 0.00 1,180.79
120 Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts 49 0.00 66.94
121 Malt Extract 48 0.00 111.62
122 Odoriferous Mixtures 46 0.00 0.00
123 Battery Waste 45 0.00 1,892.54
124 Cigars & Cigarettes 44 0.00 -73.28
125 Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film 43 0.00 0.00
126 Hydrometers & Thermometers 41 0.00 2,164.85
127 TV Receivers 40 0.00 0.00
128 Electric Ignition Equipment 40 0.00 258.62
129 Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus 39 0.00 177.69
130 Plastic Containers 39 0.00 5,655.59
131 Iron & Steel Cloth 37 0.00 0.00
132 Leguminous Vegetables 37 0.00 1,090.06
133 Fishing Vessels 36 0.00 0.00
134 Polymers of Ethylene 36 0.00 -16.58
135 Lamps & Lighting Fittings 34 0.00 417.23
136 Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments 33 0.00 35.48
137 Filters & Centrifuges 29 0.00 50.51
138 Hand Tools 29 0.00 744.75
139 Mach For Making Up Pulp & Paper 28 0.00 0.00
140 Composite Diagnostic & Lab Reagents 28 0.00 0.00
141 Parts For Machine Tools 28 0.00 0.00
142 Semi Trucks & Tractors 27 0.00 50.37
143 Water Heaters 26 0.00 -43.78
144 Woven Fabrics of Carded Wool 26 0.00 0.00
145 Chain & Parts 25 0.00 0.00
146 Books 24 0.00 230.34
147 Glass Fibers & Articles 24 0.00 0.00
148 Vehicle Bodies 23 0.00 434.16
149 Food Preparations 23 0.00 255.12
150 Ink Jet Printers 23 0.00 0.00
151 Cheese & Curd 23 0.00 0.00
152 Soups 20 0.00 0.00
153 Mechanical Machinery & Parts 20 0.00 -92.77
154 Wine 20 0.00 0.00
155 Passenger Vehicles 20 0.00 98.03
156 Insecticides 19 0.00 254.31
157 Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis 19 0.00 176.67
158 Nickel Ores 19 0.00 0.00
159 Plants For Pharmacy 18 0.00 -99.05
160 Radioactive Chemical Elements & Isotopes. 16 0.00 1,096.38
161 Articles of Vulcanized Rubber 15 0.00 964.03
162 Parts For Electric Equipment 13 0.00 1,320.13
163 Tools For Working in the Hand 13 0.00 0.00
164 Hoopwood 13 0.00 0.00
165 Twine 13 0.00 0.00
166 Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments 12 0.00 0.00
167 Pictures & Photos 12 0.00 2.13
168 Misc Animal Products 11 0.00 17.32
169 Apparatus For Photo Labs 11 0.00 0.00
170 Parts of Electric Motors 11 0.00 -60.61
171 Wigs of Hair 11 0.00 0.00
172 Yachts & Other Pleasure Vessels 10 0.00 -88.39
173 Motion-Picture Film 10 0.00 0.00
174 Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters 9 0.00 -81.05
175 Bed & Table Linen 9 0.00 0.00
176 Plastic Waste 9 0.00 -72.07
177 Knitted Sweaters 8 0.00 11.94
178 Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals 8 0.00 0.00
179 Bandages 8 0.00 0.00
180 Cycle Parts & Assessories 7 0.00 46.34
181 Raw Animal Fats 7 0.00 0.00
182 Knives 7 0.00 -7.44
183 Transister & Semiconductor Devices 7 0.00 130.75
184 Compasses & Navigation Instruments 7 0.00 -83.76
185 Hair Preparations 7 0.00 65.74
186 Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware 7 0.00 0.00
187 Knitted T-Shirts 7 0.00 -90.05
188 Imitation Jewelry 7 0.00 168.66
189 Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts 7 0.00 289.20
190 Knitted Womens & Girls Suits 6 0.00 806.29
191 Rubberized Textile Fabrics 6 0.00 0.00
192 Screws, Bolts & Nuts 6 0.00 -89.23
193 Pulley Tackle & Hoists 6 0.00 -14.98
194 Original Engravings 6 0.00 0.00
195 Wood Packings 6 0.00 115.58
196 Printed Circuits 6 0.00 0.00
197 Beer 6 0.00 0.00
198 Articles of Plastics 6 0.00 -48.46
199 Records & Tapes 6 0.00 -42.85
200 Seamless Iron & Steel Tubes & Pipes 5 0.00 -96.11
201 Photocopy Apparatus 5 0.00 0.00
202 Fresh Vegetables 4 0.00 -86.01
203 Physical Exercise Equipment 4 0.00 -50.01
204 Vegetable Plaiting Materials 4 0.00 -49.79
205 Machines For Cleaning Seed 4 0.00 0.00
206 Motorcycles 4 0.00 0.00
207 Undeveloped Photo Film 4 0.00 -44.93
208 Vegetable Saps & Extracts 4 0.00 0.00
209 Hand Paintings & Drawings 4 0.00 -30.00
210 Uncoated Paper 3 0.00 0.00
211 Tableware & Kitchenware 3 0.00 31.10
212 Leather Footwear 3 0.00 -97.96
213 Stoves 3 0.00 298.53
214 Mate 3 0.00 0.00
215 Ceramic Statuettes 3 0.00 0.00
216 Fruit & Vegetable Juice 3 0.00 0.00
217 Basketwork 3 0.00 -45.56
218 X-Ray Apparatus 3 0.00 0.00
219 Switching Equipment, > 1000 V 3 0.00 -11.30
220 Trailers 2 0.00 0.00
221 Seamed Hollow Tubes & Pipes 2 0.00 -79.17
222 Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China 2 0.00 0.00
223 Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates 2 0.00 -89.73
224 Leather Apparel & Accessories 2 0.00 17.54
225 Worn Clothing 2 0.00 -32.52
226 Electric Parts & Accessories 2 0.00 0.00
227 Vegetable Products 2 0.00 -74.32
228 Notebooks & Business Forms 2 0.00 0.00
229 Puzzles, Models & Toys 2 0.00 -83.68
230 Umbrellas 2 0.00 0.00
231 Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials 2 0.00 251.53
232 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts 2 0.00 3.92
233 Electric Storage Batteries 2 0.00 -91.96
234 Primary Cells & Batteries 2 0.00 0.00
235 Weighing Machines 2 0.00 0.00
236 Portable Electric Lamps 2 0.00 0.00
237 Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony 2 0.00 -62.66
238 Plastic Household Articles 2 0.00 0.00
239 Zinc Waste & Scrap 2 0.00 0.00
240 Tobacco Substitutes 1 0.00 0.00
241 Bells & Ornaments 1 0.00 24.80
242 Steam Turbines 1 0.00 0.00
243 Tableware of Base Metal 1 0.00 0.00
244 Prepared Unrecorded Sound Media 1 0.00 0.00
245 Photographic Still Cameras 1 0.00 -25.49
246 Newspapers 1 0.00 -48.89
247 Drawing Instruments 1 0.00 -24.44
248 Revolution & Production Count Meters 1 0.00 -55.67
249 Optical Lenses & Fibers 1 0.00 -93.50
250 Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps 1 0.00 -55.65
251 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits 1 0.00 -57.29
252 Hand-Operated Spanners & Wrenches 1 0.00 0.00
253 Checks & Stamps 1 0.00 -92.32
254 Video Recording Equipment 1 0.00 0.00
255 Gas, Water, Electric Meters 1 0.00 -85.96
256 Agricultural & Poultry Equipment 1 0.00 25.00
257 Breathing Appliances & Gas Masks 1 0.00 0.00
258 Calculating & Account Machines 1 0.00 0.00
259 Extracts of Coffee 1 0.00 0.00
260 Percussion Instruments 1 0.00 -76.97
261 Woven Fabric -Under 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2 1 0.00 0.00
262 Ivory 1 0.00 0.00
263 Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting 1 0.00 -13.20
264 Articles of Glass 1 0.00 0.00
265 Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies 1 0.00 -94.37
266 Machinery For Tobacco Preparation 1 0.00 -59.08
267 Tape Recorders 1 0.00 0.00
268 Clays 1 0.00 0.00
269 Soft Drinks 1 0.00 0.00
270 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats 1 0.00 0.00
271 Microphones 1 0.00 -84.57
272 Sauces & Condiments 1 0.00 -83.46
273 Prepared Vegetables 1 0.00 0.00
274 Containers For Compressed & Liquid Gas 0 0.00 -95.53
275 Art Paper 0 0.00 -95.28
276 Cloves 0 0.00 0.00
277 Tarps, Sails & Tents 0 0.00 -53.07
278 Ceramic Sinks 0 0.00 0.00
279 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits 0 0.00 -48.63
280 Furnishing Articles of Textile Materials 0 0.00 0.00
281 Ginger, Thyme & Spices 0 0.00 -67.12
282 Auxiliary Machinery For Textile Machines 0 0.00 0.00
283 Waste & Scrap of Precious Metals 0 0.00 0.00
284 Glassware For Table 0 0.00 0.00
285 Synthetic Rubber 0 0.00 0.00
286 Electromech Domestic Appliances 0 0.00 0.00
287 Made-Up Clothes Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
288 Watch Straps 0 0.00 0.00
289 Electric Capacitors 0 0.00 -96.69
290 Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows 0 0.00 -76.29
291 Lmestone Flux 0 0.00 0.00
292 Padlocks 0 0.00 -74.14
293 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses 0 0.00 0.00
294 Household Art & Parts 0 0.00 0.00
295 Insulated Wire & Cable 0 0.00 -98.56
296 Wooden Frames, Paintings. 0 0.00 0.00
297 Chocolate 0 0.00 -99.79
298 Electric Water Heaters 0 0.00 0.00
299 Festive & Entertainment Art 0 0.00 -99.60
300 Medicines in Doses 0 0.00 0.00
301 Honey 0 0.00 0.00
302 Nuts 0 0.00 0.00
303 Ties 0 0.00 -99.95

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