Tonga: Trade Profile

Foreign Trade in Figures

Tonga is a country open to foreign trade, which represents 73% of the country's GDP (World Bank, latest data available). The country is a member of the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). According to figures from the national statistics agency, in 2022, the primary domestic exports comprised 68.8% of vegetable products, followed by live animals and animal products at 22%, and wood, cork, articles thereof, and plaiting material at 6.6%. The remaining 2.6% was distributed among other categories. As for imports, mineral products dominated at 24.9%, followed by prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits, and tobacco at 13.5%, machinery, mechanical, and electrical appliances and parts thereof at 13.1%, live animals and animal products at 10.4%, and vehicles, aircraft, and associated transport equipment at 7%. The remaining 31% was shared by other groups.

Once again, New Zealand emerged as Tonga's primary export destination in 2022, receiving 39.3% of its exports. This was followed by the United States of America at 21%, Australia at 16.3%, and Taiwan at 4.8%. Together, these nations represented 81% of the total export value. Similarly, New Zealand was the main source of imports for Tonga in 2022, contributing 23.5%, followed by Singapore at 23.2%, China at 12.6%, the U.S.A at 10.7%, and Fiji at 7.5%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 77.6% of the total import value (data Tonga Statistics Department).

The archipelago imports much more than it exports. As a result, it suffers from a chronic trade deficit, which should continue in the coming years despite substantial international aid. In 2022, Tonga exported merchandise worth USD 14 million against USD 245 million in imports. Concerning services, exports reached USD 44 million, still far below imports (USD 113 million – data WTO).

To go further, check out our service Import-Export Flows

Main Services

Source: United Nations Statistics Division, Latest Available Data

Commercial Policy

International Economic Cooperation

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Assessment of Commercial Policy

Tonga Commercial Policy

Average Customs Duty (Excluding Agricultural Products)

10%

Trade Compliance

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Useful Resources

Tonga Revenue Services

 

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Latest Update: May 2024