Analysis and Studies - Country Analysis
Cook Islands: a look at the market
March 17th 2025
Economic Overview of the Cook Islands (2023)
In 2023, the Cook Islands ranked 207th globally in total exports and 204th in total imports. Despite its small size, the nation plays a niche role in international trade, particularly in the fisheries and marine industries.
Exports: A Strong Marine Industry
The Cook Islands' economy is heavily reliant on marine resources. The country’s top exports include non-fillet frozen fish ($10M), recreational boats ($9.9M), and fish fillets ($6.83M), highlighting its strong presence in the seafood sector.
Other significant exports include knit women's suits ($587K) and crustaceans ($508K).
The primary export destinations are Japan ($10M), Thailand ($4.59M), Greece ($4.37M), France ($3.4M), and China ($2.43M).
Imports: Dependence on Key Goods
The Cook Islands imports a wide range of goods to support its economy and tourism sector. The top imports include recreational boats ($58.7M), refined petroleum ($37.4M), cars ($4.24M), boat propellers ($3.33M), and hard liquor ($2.92M).
The largest suppliers are New Zealand ($93.7M), Italy ($56.1M), Fiji ($19.1M), China ($14M), and Australia ($6.91M), reflecting strong trade ties with neighboring countries.
Conclusion
The Cook Islands' economy is shaped by its reliance on marine exports and high-value imports, with a particular focus on fishing, boating, and tourism-related goods.
While it maintains strong trade connections with major economies, its dependence on imports highlights the challenges of a small island economy.
Source: https://oec.world/
