The Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) rely heavily on imports to meet demand for basic goods. Key imports move primarily by maritime transport and include food, fuel, medicine, and productive resources like commercial machinery and appliances. Conversely, the export baskets of the Pacific DMCs are typically small in value and consist of a limited range of goods—often resulting in negative trade balances.

Improving trade facilitation, by upgrading seaport infrastructure and trade practices, can reduce the cost of goods and services, and improve the quality of life for communities across the Pacific. Accordingly, ADB is implementing a pipeline of projects and technical assistance to help the Pacific DMCs improve transport connectivity and overcome barriers to efficient trade. Understanding trade profiles and obstacles to efficiency is an essential first step for designing effective support to address barriers to trade.

This study seeks to fill knowledge gaps surrounding maritime trade in the region. It reviews current and projected trade patterns in the Pacific DMCs, and subsequently, provides a needs assessment and select recommendations on how to address constraints. The study represents a unique approach to supporting trade facilitation—it looks at shared constraints affecting the Pacific DMCs, such as climate change and exposure to external shocks, and seeks to identify synergistic and regional approaches to address them.