First National Export Strategy presented

December 8, 2025 11:12 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Bruce Tamata.

TheVanuatu Aid-for-Trade Management Unit (VAMU)has presented the first-ever First National Export Strategy (NES) for 2026-2031, with a focus on value-added products, to the National Trade Development Committee (NTDC) in a recent meeting held in Luganville. The meeting aimed to present key findings for the strategy, explain how it was developed, and outline limiting factors in export that the national export framework seeks to address.

In his presentation of the NES, Mattia De Biasi, a consultant working with the Department of Industry (DOI), outlined the need for a national export framework.

He said the findings from the development of the NES show that Vanuatu Made exporters face high shipping costs and fragmented support, which hinder their ability to participate effectively in export markets. The department also identified an overreliance on Kava, resulting in weak performance of other commodities.

The Trade Unit developed the strategy between January and September 2025 through consultations with government, exporters, and partners, as well as an exporter survey of major commodity producers. After validating the findings with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and other stakeholders, the department finalised a national export framework aimed at boosting exports of value-added products.

Reflecting on trade performance over the past years, Mr. De Biasi said Vanuatu has had flat export growth for the past 15 years, with no major increase in export volume since 2009.

Vanuatu has also maintained a narrow export base, relying mainly on one or two commodities, primarily Kava or Copra.

The consultant noted inconsistencies in export data for major commodities. For instance, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which tracks trade data for developing countries, reports Tuna exports higher than figures recorded domestically, indicating the need to improve the national export framework.

Data from UNCTAD shows Tuna exports three times higher than Kava exports, yet government efforts have focused more on the Kava industry than Tuna, suggesting Kava has been prioritised in export earnings.

The Department also identified low visibility of Vanuatu Made products in overseas markets as a key barrier to entering export markets.

These findings illustrate gaps in the current export system that the Trade Unit aims to address through the NES.

To tackle these gaps, the Department has proposed a four-pillar export strategic plan with a vision to develop a strong and competitive Vanuatu Made sector that drives inclusive growth through quality value-added products and expanded access to domestic and international markets.

Pillar 1 focuses on Transport and Logistics, aiming to reduce freight barriers for small exporters. Pillar 2 covers Branding and Recognition, aiming to raise the visibility of Vanuatu Made products both domestically and internationally. Pillar 3 addresses Coordination and Governance, aligning support programs to work together effectively. Pillar 4 targets sector-specific bottlenecks, creating opportunities for diversification and growth of Vanuatu Made products.