Tonga Remains Top Kava Exporter to Australia: DFAT Report
Tonga has maintained its position as the largest exporter of Kava into Australia, as revealed by the latest findings from the DFAT Pacific Integration and Economic Division Office during the Regional Kava Development Strategy and Geographical Indication (GI) for Kava meeting.
Assistant Director Caroline Kempeneer highlighted the substantial progress made since the initiation of the Kava Pilot program in December 2019. According to Kempeneer, Pacific producers have collectively exported over 321 tonnes of Kava, with Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu leading the charge.
“Despite Fiji and Vanuatu being notable exporters in terms of volume, Tonga holds the top position in the Australian market,” Kempeneer affirmed.
The meeting also shed light on the regulatory landscape affecting the importation of Kava into Australia. Kempeneer pointed out that certain territories within Australia impose restrictions on the importation of Kava, along with a few other commodities.
However, she emphasized that since the ban on Kava importation was lifted in October, the Kava Pilot program has played a crucial role in relaxing regulations, granting Australians greater access to the product.
“This decision signifies the recognition of the cultural and economic significance of Kava for the Pacifica community residing in Australia,” Kempeneer remarked.
She further elaborated that the Kava Pilot program was launched with the explicit aim of fostering stronger cultural, economic, and trade ties between Australia and Pacific Island nations.
The latest statistics are a win for Tonga in the export market to the Australian Kava market and signify positive steps towards enhancing trade relations and acknowledging the cultural importance of Kava in the region. The DFAT report’s findings suggest a promising outlook for the future of Kava exports and Australia’s engagement with the Pacific community.
Filipo Naikoso – FBC News
