Last week, Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia launched the Pacific Islands Export Survey for 2024, marking one decade since the biennial research series began.

The survey offers crucial insights into the activities and opinions of exporters in the Pacific, generating data that is imperative for understanding the current economic climate of the region. In addition, it captures changes and trends in exports from the Pacific Islands Forum member countries, informing regional analysis and policy development. 

This year’s survey, launched on 12 February and remaining open until 7 April, will signify 10 years’ worth of collected data, a milestone achievement for the region and PTI Australia. The Pacific Islands Export Survey offers an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made by Pacific exporters, as well as to evaluate the factors that continue to impact trade, investment, and economic opportunities.

Results of the last survey, conducted in 2022, focused on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recovery efforts in its immediate aftermath. The survey indicated that over half of all responding businesses had experienced a general decline in export orders over the preceding 12 months and that the cost and logistics associated with exports were increasingly presenting barriers, hampering Pacific exporters’ capacities to sell their products and services internationally. In addition, just under three-quarters of respondents reported being impacted by severe weather events.

Despite these obstacles, Pacific businesses demonstrated confident, optimistic attitudes about the future. Two out of three exporters outlined that they expected increased orders in the 12 months following the 2022 survey. Moreover, respondents indicated their intent to explore new means of conducting business, by expanding into different regions such as the Middle East, and by generating revenue through an increase in innovative digital and ecommerce solutions.

PTI Australia’s Trade and Investment Commissioner, Caleb Jarvis, looks forward to this year’s survey responses as the subject matter shifts away from recovery-related insights, and refocuses on the foundational elements of exporting, long-term needs and challenges.

“PTI Australia’s Pacific Island Export Survey series is an incredibly productive means of gathering quantifiable data and insights directly from our clients - Pacific based exporters of both goods and services (including tourism). I am particularly looking forward to this year’s survey responses, not only to assess the progress made, but, perhaps, to better understand how we can ease any ongoing longitudinal challenges. Of course, this survey also provides an opportunity to celebrate the growth and lessons from the region’s exporters over the past decade.” 

PTI Australia encourages all Pacific exporters to respond to the Pacific Islands Export Survey 2024, to contribute to the development of robust, impactful data. Participants have a chance to enter a draw to win one of two iPhone 15 Pro’s.

Exporters are classified as those who generate goods and services, to sell products or services to people in international markets, including farmers, retailers/wholesalers, tourism operators and business professionals.

Findings produced by the Pacific Islands Export Survey 2024 will be collated, analysed and shared in the PTI Australia Pacific Islands Export Survey 2024 Report, to be released later this year.

Founded in 1979, PTI Australia is an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Funded by the Australian Government, it facilitates trade and investment in the Pacific Islands.