Imports remain stable in value but rose by 5% in volume, reflecting a drop in unit prices.

March saw a significant jump in imports (+22.3%), driven by business orders and petroleum product purchases.

According to the ISPF, these monthly fluctuations could be explained by restocking operations and delivery delays, without necessarily indicating a lasting trend. It should also be noted that, over the quarter, imports of petroleum products climbed 13% in volume despite a sharp decline in prices.

On the export side, the 1.9% growth recorded in March was not enough to reverse the negative trend: overall, foreign sales fell by 5% in the first quarter. The performance of raw pearls, up 15% over the quarter (and 30% in March), helped soften the blow. However, other sectors posted worrying results: fish and mother-of-pearl dropped by 31% and 35% respectively, while vanilla saw a 15% decline.

This loss of diversity in Polynesian exports is increasing dependence on raw pearls — a situation that could ultimately weaken the territory’s economy in the face of global market volatility.