The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

They accuse him of contributing to the decline in pearl prices. In an official statement, Rohfritsch emphasized that the government’s priority is to support struggling families during the health crisis while safeguarding the cash flow of pearl industry professionals.

He stressed that the current situation is exceptional and requires solidarity from all players in the pearl industry—from producers and traders to jewelers. The Vice President also clarified that collective efforts are essential to navigating this unprecedented economic and health crisis.

Rohfritsch further announced that the government is preparing a post-crisis action plan, which will be presented at the next meeting of the Pearl Farming Council. This plan aims to strengthen the pearl industry once the crisis subsides, particularly through measures to revive international markets while leveraging lessons learned from this challenging period.

Finally, the Vice President underscored that all options are being considered to support the pearl sector, depending on how the situation evolves. The statement reiterated that solidarity and cooperation are more crucial than ever to ensure the industry’s resilience in the face of current challenges.

This measure, introduced as part of the economic support plan led by Vice President Teva Rohfritsch, has raised concerns among international market players.

Two black pearl sellers' associations, based in Hong Kong and Japan respectively, have expressed strong concerns about the potential consequences of this tax exemption. According to them, the removal of the DSPE could lead to a drop in pearl prices on the international market. This duty, which is an export tax, plays a crucial role in filtering out lower-quality pearls and maintaining the average price of pearls at an acceptable level.

The presidents of the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong and the Tahiti Pearl Promotion Society of Japan issued a statement warning the Polynesian government. They emphasized that the temporary removal of the DSPE could lead to an overproduction of low-quality pearls, disrupting market balance and causing a devaluation of unit prices.

According to the associations, this measure also risks harming the credibility of the Tahitian pearl market. Consumers, who are key drivers of the industry, may hesitate to buy pearls perceived as having diminished value. This phenomenon would inevitably lead to a decline in sales, threatening the long-term stability of the industry.