Products Imported from China to Cook Islands

In the calendar year of 2023, China exported goods worth US$11.3 million to Cook Islands. Among the main exports from China to Cook Islands were Refined Petroleum (US$5.94 million), Iron Structures (US$616,000), Glues (US$400,000), Additive manufacturing machines (US$343,576) and Recreational Boats (US$199,829). Over the span of 28 years, China’s exports to Cook Islands have grown steadily at an annualized rate of 16.2%, rising from US$195,000 in 1995 to US$11.3 million in 2023.

List of All Products That Were Imported from China to Cook Islands

The table below presents a comprehensive list of all commodities that were exported from China to Cook Islands 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 Cook Islands 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 Cook Islands.

Trade Agreements between China and Cook Islands

China and the Cook Islands have cultivated a relationship that includes economic aid and infrastructural support, although formal trade agreements specifically labeled as such are less pronounced compared to China’s agreements with larger nations. However, their cooperative engagements typically focus on development aid and infrastructure projects. Here are some notable aspects of their relationship:

1. Diplomatic Relations and Economic Aid – China and the Cook Islands established diplomatic relations in 1997. Since then, China has been involved in providing economic aid to the Cook Islands, which, while not a trade agreement in the traditional sense, facilitates economic development and indirectly supports trade activities.
2. Infrastructure Projects – Significant Chinese assistance has been directed towards infrastructure development in the Cook Islands. This includes funding and construction of major projects like the courthouse and police headquarters, and upgrades to water supply systems. These projects are often part of broader aid packages and are crucial for the Cook Islands’ development.
3. Soft Loans and Grants – China provides soft loans and grants to the Cook Islands, which are used to finance various development projects. These financial supports enhance the economic capabilities of the Cook Islands and strengthen bilateral relations.
4. Renewable Energy Projects – In alignment with global environmental goals and the Cook Islands’ commitment to renewable energy, China has supported renewable energy projects in the country. This includes the provision of materials and expertise for solar power generation, contributing to the Cook Islands’ energy independence and sustainability efforts.
5. Multilateral Engagement – While not exclusive to China and the Cook Islands, the involvement of the Cook Islands in China-led initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and forums involving Pacific Island nations highlights a broader context of economic cooperation that benefits bilateral relations.

Through these engagements, China’s relationship with the Cook Islands exemplifies a partnership approach, centered around development aid and infrastructural support rather than formal trade agreements. This support significantly impacts the economic landscape of the Cook Islands, promoting sustainable development and enhancing local capacities.