2. Strategic connectivity with preferential market access

Tonga’s location at the crossroads of major Pacific routes gives it a unique edge as a regional hub for trade and investment. With reliable air and maritime links and a growing focus on regional integration, Tonga offers businesses direct access to neighboring markets and streamlined export pathways. This strategic connectivity enhances the country’s appeal as a platform for trade, logistics, and value-added production across the Pacific.

Export platform to 4 continents, with preferential market access to over 1.9 billion people across 19 countries

• Preferential access to major global markets: Duty-free and quota-free access to key economies like the USA, Japan, India, and Switzerland through the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), boosting the competitiveness of your exports.
• Regional trade advantage through PACER Plus & PICTA: Benefit from seamless trade within the Pacific region, with established agreements connecting 15 Pacific Island countries—including Australia and New Zealand. 
• Globally connected as a WTO member: As a World Trade Organization member since 2007, Tonga is integrated into the global trading system, supporting transparent, rules-based trade and investor confidence.

^{Pacer Plus – PICTA countries: Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.  -   Source: MacMap.org}

Tonga’s international trade

• Strong import growth: During the last 5 years, imports grew steadily on an average annual rate of 13.2%, peaking at US$ 326.5m in 2023, reflecting rising domestic demand and economic activity. 
• Volatile exports with room for growth: With an annual average decline of 13.5%, exports peaked at US$61.9m in 2022 before falling to US$11.9m in 2023, highlighting the need to diversify and boost local production to ease the growing trade deficit. 
• Top export destinations: New Zealand, Fiji and USA stand out as top 3 destinations for Tonga’s exports, accounting over 78% of the flows. 
• Leading import providers: New Zealand, Singapore and China emerge as the top 3 sources of Tonga’s imports, accounting for over 56% of the flows.

^{*CAGR: Compound annual growth rate.  -   Source: www.TradeMap.com}

• Concentrated export mix: Over the past 3 years, Plants, seeds and fruits, used in perfumery & pharmacy has been the top exported product, accounting for 55.3% of export flows, followed far behind by Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps (13.5%) and Edible vegetables, roots & tubers (9.7%). Together the top 3 products represent 78.4% of total exports. 
• Diverse import portfolio: Wide range of products, with Mineral fuels, Meat and offal and Mechanical  machinery standout as the top 3, accounting for over 34.4% of the import flows.

^{HS2: Harmonized system at 2-digit code (chapter).  -  Source: TradeMap.com}

Tonga’s connectivity by air

• Excellent connectivity by air: Despite its remote location, Tonga offers great connectivity in the South Pacific region with over 15 direct weekly flights to 4 overseas destinations.
• Primary international gateway: Located 20 km from capital city Nukuʻalofa, Fuaʻamotu International Airport is the main gateway for international travelers to Tonga
• Domestic connections: Five additional domestic airports facilitate travel between the islands of Tonga (Vavaʻu International Airport, Eua Airport, Lifuka Island Airport, Niuafoʻou Airport and Niuatoputapu Airport)

^{Note: Information only as reference. Air routes and airlines may change due to latest updates.  -  Source: www.flightconnections.com/}

Tonga’s maritime connectivity

• Strategic location: Position in the South Pacific, Tonga connects the island states with the rest of the world
• Extensive shipping network: 2 international shipping companies provide services to 4 direct overseas destinations in the region
• Key port infrastructure: Port of Nuku’alofa accommodates cruise ships, general cargo vessels, gas carriers, and tankers. storage of up to 700 containers. 2 berths handling vessels up to 110m with 11m drafts

^{Source: https://www.fluentcargo.com/search/ports?port=Nuku%27alofa+(TOTBU) - https://www.pacificports.org/category/port-members/  -  https://www.searates.com/port/nuku_alofa_to}