Products Imported from China to Tonga

In the calendar year of 2023, China exported goods worth US$56.7 million to Tonga. Among the main exports from China to Tonga were Large Construction Vehicles (US$4.65 million), Iron Cloth (US$3 million), Toilet Paper (US$2.68 million), Prefabricated Buildings (US$2.41 million) and Plastic Lids (US$1.95 million). Over the span of 28 years, China’s exports to Tonga have grown steadily at an annualized rate of 19.7%, rising from US$443k in 1995 to US$56.7 million in 2023.

List of All Products That Were Imported from China to Tonga

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

Trade Agreements between China and Tonga

China and Tonga have established a cooperative relationship that has deepened considerably since Tonga joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2018. Their relationship is characterized by various agreements aimed at enhancing economic, technical, and cultural cooperation. Here’s a summary of significant trade and cooperation agreements between China and Tonga, including their descriptions and the years they were established.

1. Diplomatic Relations and Initial Economic Support (1998)

China and Tonga established diplomatic relations in 1998, which laid the groundwork for subsequent agreements and economic support from China. Although not a formal trade agreement, the establishment of these relations marked the beginning of direct economic and technical assistance from China to Tonga, facilitating various development projects in infrastructure and public service sectors.

2. Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (2001)

In 2001, China and Tonga signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement. This agreement has been crucial for Tonga, enabling it to receive grants and concessional loans from China for infrastructure development, including roads, government buildings, and redevelopment projects. This support aligns with Tonga’s needs for improved infrastructure to boost economic growth and resilience against natural disasters.

3. Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation (2009)

Recognizing the importance of agriculture in Tonga’s economy, both countries signed an Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation in 2009. This agreement focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Tonga through Chinese technology transfer, expertise, and direct investment in agricultural projects. It has facilitated the introduction of new agricultural techniques and crops that are more resilient to Tonga’s climatic challenges.

4. Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (2018)

The inclusion of Tonga in the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018 significantly expanded the scope of bilateral cooperation. This Memorandum of Understanding encompasses a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, trade, investment, and telecommunications. It aims to integrate Tonga into a broader network of economic and logistic corridors, potentially increasing Tonga’s access to international markets and enhancing its strategic significance in the Pacific region.

5. Renewable Energy Projects and Technical Assistance

Alongside these agreements, China has also been involved in renewable energy projects in Tonga, providing both funding and technical assistance to help Tonga achieve its renewable energy goals. These projects are crucial for reducing Tonga’s dependency on imported fossil fuels and for promoting environmental sustainability.

6. Scholarship and Cultural Exchange Programs

Scholarship and cultural exchange programs have been part of the bilateral relations, with China offering scholarships to Tongan students and facilitating cultural exchanges. These programs aim to build people-to-people connections and enhance mutual understanding between the two countries, supporting broader economic and diplomatic relationships.