Pacific Island economies are strengthening their global trade footprint, and the European market is playing an increasingly important role in that growth. The European Union (EU) is now the fourth-largest trading partner for Pacific economies – and one of the fastest-growing destinations for their exports.

In 2024, Pacific countries exported $2.6 billion in goods to the EU. Since 2015, exports have nearly doubled, expanding at an average annual rate of around 9%. This steady growth highlights both the competitiveness of Pacific products and the strong demand across the European market.

The EU offers significant opportunities across a wide range of sectors. While its market requirements – including tariffs, rules of origin, certification, and product standards – are detailed and rigorous, they are also clear and structured. For well-prepared exporters, this transparency provides a stable and predictable trading environment.

To support Pacific businesses in capturing these opportunities, this guide brings together the essential information needed to navigate the EU market, from assessing export readiness to understanding compliance requirements and logistics, it offers a practical roadmap for sustainable market entry and expansion.

With the right preparation and strategy, Pacific exporters are well-positioned to deepen trade relationships and continue expanding their presence in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets.

UNCTAD published the guide and provided overall guidance on its content. International Economics Consulting Ltd is proud to have written the guide, with Loan Le, Managing Director of IEC Vietnam leading the drafting, supported by Paul Baker, CEO and Smita Bheenick, Senior Trade Specialist, funded by the European Commission.

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