Wednesday 27 June 2012
President Oscar Temaru's public support during their June 4th meeting has yet to translate into concrete action. Spokesperson Franky Tehaamatai sounds the alarm: "Without intervention, fewer than 100 farms will remain by year's end." Their alternative proposal submitted to the minister on June 13th received only an evasive response on June 22nd, citing ongoing administrative review.
Facing this inertia, farmers accuse authorities of contempt and contemplate drastic measures: abolishing the DSPE tax (Specific Duty on Exported Pearls). Tehaamatai reveals this levy severely impacts revenues, sometimes consuming 50% of struggling operators' turnover.
The Union further demands replacing the current pearl grading system with a binary classification: marketable versus non-marketable pearls. Without swift progress, they threaten to blockade the Pearl Farming Department offices as warned during protests.
Criticism also targets visual/X-ray inspections mandated by deliberation 2005-42. Producers decry arbitrary standards, noting no comparable measures exist in other pearl-producing nations, and condemn unnecessary destruction of quality-compliant pearls.
Tension continues gripping French Polynesia's pearl sector as this standoff with authorities reaches a critical juncture.
Tuesday 26 June 2012
Japanese, Chinese, European, and Polynesian wholesalers attracted a predominantly Chinese clientele, despite growing competition from Australian "gold" and "white" pearls.
The event confirmed a price rebound for Tahitian pearls, particularly for 7-9 mm sizes, highly sought after by buyers. Pearls measuring 10-11 mm remained popular, while exceptional pieces reaching 15-19 mm—and one remarkable 23 mm pearl—captivated visitors.
Auction sales organized by Poe Raua Nui and Robert Wan Cie on the sidelines proved highly successful. Alfred Martin, president of GIE Poe Rava Nui, expressed satisfaction, while Robert Wan showcased over 200,000 pearls, including a stunning 17 mm round "peacock" pearl with a starting bid of 2.5 million FCFP. Wan nevertheless urged caution, stressing the need to maintain buyer confidence in Polynesia's stability.
Johnny Cheng, president of the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK) and Rio Pearls, warned against eliminating export quality controls. He argued these standards are a key selling point for Tahitian pearls in a market where competitors lack such requirements, and abandoning them could flood the market with inferior pearls.
With Australian "gold" and "white" pearls gaining ground at more competitive prices than black Tahitian pearls, the Maison de la Perle and TPAHK are preparing enhanced promotional campaigns, including participation in Hong Kong's first annual international jewelry show in September.
Finally, Robert Wan Cie's presence at the inaugural JNA Awards, organized by Jewellery News Asia, underscores Polynesian players' commitment to strengthening Tahitian pearls' global image.
Friday 8 June 2012
This world-renowned consultant specializing in jewelry, gemstones, and pearls—who also serves as President of CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation)—gathered sixty key industry figures including Francky Tehamatai and Robert Wan to address the sector's persistent crisis.
Cavalieri proposed a bold solution: establishing an international Tahitian pearl distribution company representing a consortium of local producers. Modeled after the successful Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma (founded in 1963 by 23 producers and now comprising 156 members), this initiative could eliminate Chinese and Japanese middlemen—potentially doubling Tahitian pearls' market value for Polynesian producers.
The strategy promises to:
- Boost global brand recognition
- Increase producer profits
- Restore Tahitian pearls' premium positioning
Wednesday 6 June 2012
During the May 31st protest, accusations of incompetence, favoritism, and discrimination were leveled against its staff. The Directorate emphasizes that its teams are properly trained and that their inspection equipment is regularly calibrated, ensuring measurement accuracy. Furthermore, precise information has been repeatedly shared with professionals in full transparency.
Regarding disputes, the Directorate notes that counter-examinations are possible: a second X-ray scan is generally sufficient to resolve any doubts, without requiring cutting, which remains an exceptional method.
The current regulations were established through prior consultations with sector stakeholders. Any changes to these rules must result from collective discussion, not public attacks that could be considered slanderous and potentially lead to individual legal action.
Lastly, the Marine Resources Directorate calls on all professionals to overcome divisions and work together to restore the pearl sector's vitality, based on clear rules shared by all stakeholders.
Friday 1 June 2012
Their first collective action: a determined gathering this Thursday morning in front of the Maison de la Perle, with the clear goal of obtaining the immediate signing of a memorandum of agreement.
At the heart of their demands is the immediate and permanent withdrawal of Deliberation No. 2005-42. This regulation, in force for over ten years, mandates the destruction of pearls deemed usable and has reportedly caused an estimated loss of 6 billion CFP francs in just two years. Frank Tehaamatai, spokesperson for the union, points out that Japan had experimented with a similar measure before abandoning it due to disastrous consequences for its own industry.
According to Tehaamatai, some pearls, though imperfect, could still be utilized, particularly for bracelets or rings. He criticizes the rigidity of current standards, which lead to the destruction of small category A pearls simply because their nacre thickness is less than 0.8 mm. Despite their request for a counter-assessment of the Maison de la Perle's inspection equipment, their appeal was denied. While an agreement in principle was reached for cutting pearls, no concrete timeline was provided.
"We've been strung along for far too long," Frank Tehaamatai declares. Pearl farmers, typically moderate, are now expressing deep anger. The decline is stark: while there were over 1,000 farms in 2000, only 200 remain today. Exports, which generated 20 billion francs in 2000, are projected to drop to just 6 billion in 2012.
Professionals are demanding immediate and concrete measures to save an industry in crisis, and the repeal of Deliberation No. 2005-42 is seen as an essential step for the survival of their trade.
After lengthy discussions with the minister and the pearl department, and despite the declared support of the government president, no concrete measures have been taken, further fueling the protesters' frustration.
The contested deliberation, which regulates pearl exports and mandates the destruction of pearls deemed non-compliant, is at the heart of the criticism. Frank Tehaamatai, spokesperson for the movement, denounces a discriminatory system and suspicions of favoritism in processing times and pearl inspections. He cites a recent case of pearls being unjustly rejected before being reinstated after being cut open.
Doubts are growing about the effectiveness of the ministry and the dedicated pearl department. Over 80% of professionals are demanding not only the repeal of the deliberation but also a complete overhaul of the sector's management, advocating for greater autonomy for industry players.
Frank Tehaamatai laments the lack of responsiveness and initiative from the minister, stating that this mobilization aims to demonstrate the reality of the crisis shaking the pearl industry. If their demands are not heard quickly, professionals warn they may resort to more radical actions to defend the future of their trade.
