Fiji is blessed with a forest cover of 1.1 million hectares (ha) covering approximately 60 percent of our total land area and contributes around FJD $544 million annually in terms of ecosystem services. It continues to support increased export earnings, foreign & local investment, increased employment and economic growth, and support future generations.
The Forestry Sector plays a vital role in Fiji’s economic, social and environmental wellbeing; and contributes 0.3 percent to the country’s GDP. However, this does not take into account the other activities that forestry is involved with, especially in Value Adding & Manufacturing Sector which equates to 1.4 percent of GDP. Forestry is a viable sector that has contributed to and supported the growth of a few other sectors and industries. It is also a vital source of energy, employment, livelihood and ecological integrity.
Native forests make up about 82.2 percent of Fiji’s forest cover, while Pine and Mahogany plantations make up 7.4 and 6.2 percent, respectively, and Mangroves make up 4.1 percent of the forest cover. Softwood plantations mainly of Pine (Pinus caribaea) are established mainly in the Western Division, while Hardwood plantations mainly of Mahogany (Swietania macrophylla) have been established on logged rainforests, mainly on the eastern and central parts of the larger islands.

Fiji's wood products have penetrated many international markets. Woodchips have a long history of export to Japan, while the United States of America is drawn to Fiji’s quality Mahogany timber. Other markets that Fiji’s timber products have reached include China, Australia and New Zealand among other countries.  

OPPORTUNITIES

• Fiji has standing forest cover of 1,100,000 hectares representing 60% of the total land mass.
• Mahogany plantations in Fiji are a unique resource with standing forests up to 40 years old.
• Value adding Cocowood to veneer has great potential for high-valued commodity to thrive in Fiji.
• Teak is an upcoming high-valued hardwood timber in Fiji that has the potential to do well in this country because of the climatic condition we have suited for Teak planting.
• Fiji is a signatory to international and regional environmental conventions such the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• Apart from exporting timber, higher monetary value can be obtained from adding value to the timber being processed. This can be in the form of furniture & fittings, artifacts and wood carvings.
• The tax free region offers tax free status and exemption on the importation of raw materials, machinery and equipment.
• The production of waste wood left over from harvesting can be converted to furniture and other decorative wood items.
• There are great opportunities for further plantation expansion for sandalwood.

Last Updated: August 2023