Products Imported from China to Kiribati

In the calendar year of 2023, China exported goods worth US$42.6 million to Kiribati. Among the main exports from China to Kiribati were Refined Petroleum (US$3.44 million), Passenger and Cargo Ships (US$3.38 million), Rice (US$2.07 million), Tug Boats (US$1.88 million) and Other Prepared Meat (US$1.66 million). Over the span of 28 years, China’s exports to Kiribati have grown steadily at an annualized rate of 11.7%, rising from US$2.17 million in 1995 to US$42.6 million in 2023.

List of All Products That Were Imported from China to Kiribati

The table below presents a comprehensive list of all commodities that were exported from China to Kiribati in 2023, categorized by product types, and ranked by their trade values in US dollars.

Tips to use this table

1. Identifying High-Demand Products: Analyze the top-ranked products to identify which items have the highest trade values. These products are likely to be in high demand in the Kiribati market, presenting lucrative opportunities for importers and resellers.
2. Niche Market Exploration: Explore products with significant trade values that may not be commonly known. These niche products could represent untapped market segments with less competition, allowing resellers and importers to carve out a unique position in the market.

Last Updated: April, 2024

Note #1: The HS4 code, or Harmonized System 4-digit code, is part of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). It’s an internationally standardized system for classifying goods in international trade.

Note #2: This table is regularly updated on an annual basis. Therefore, we encourage you to revisit frequently to access the latest information regarding trade between China and Kiribati.

Trade Agreements between China and Kiribati

China and Kiribati have a relatively recent and developing relationship that revolves primarily around diplomatic ties and economic assistance, rather than formal trade agreements. Here are the key aspects of their interactions:

1. Diplomatic Renewal: Kiribati re-established diplomatic relations with China in September 2019, having previously recognized Taiwan. This shift opened the door for enhanced economic and political cooperation, reflecting China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.
2. Economic Assistance: Since renewing relations, China has pledged to support Kiribati in various development projects. These include upgrades to infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, as well as potentially the renovation and expansion of an airstrip on one of Kiribati’s outer islands. China’s support is crucial for Kiribati, given its limited economic base and the challenges posed by geographic isolation and climate change.
3. Development Projects: Part of the cooperation between China and Kiribati involves significant development aid from China, aimed at enhancing local facilities and living conditions. This assistance is typical of China’s approach to its Pacific island partnerships, focusing on infrastructure and direct aid rather than structured trade agreements.
4. Healthcare and Technical Cooperation: China has also provided healthcare support to Kiribati, including medical supplies and health-related expertise. This cooperation is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties through technical assistance and capacity building.
5. Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Educational scholarships and cultural exchanges are also components of the relationship. China offers scholarships for I-Kiribati students, which helps in building long-term educational and cultural links between the two nations.
6. Fisheries: While not formalized through a specific trade agreement, there is ongoing dialogue and interaction regarding fishing rights and marine resources. Kiribati, with its large exclusive economic zone, is a significant player in Pacific fisheries, an area of considerable interest to Chinese fishing fleets.

The relationship between China and Kiribati, thus, is characterized more by economic assistance and infrastructure development than by traditional trade agreements. This support is part of China’s strategic interests in extending its reach into the Pacific, aiming to secure alliances and influence through development aid and economic projects.