Marape responds to United States tariff on PNG exports

Prime Minister James Marape has acknowledged the recent decision by the United States to impose a 10 percent tariff on all Papua New Guinean exports into the American market.

Prime Minister Marape said the government had been formally briefed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and recognizes that the tariff imposition is a decision made under the current U.S. administration’s domestic trade priorities.

“As a sovereign nation, we respect the right of the United States Government to make trade policy decisions in accordance with its national interest.

“We have no issue with this development and do not intend to retaliate with counter tariffs, as others may have done. Instead, we reaffirm our long-standing commitment to free and fair trade," Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister said that Papua New Guinea values its bilateral relationship with the United States, a country that shares many of the same principles of democracy and open markets.

“The U.S. remains one of the world’s largest free-market democracies, and Papua New Guinea shares this worldview.

“We are a democratic nation that believes in rules based on international trade. While we reserve the right to protect our domestic industries when needed, in this instance, we will not respond with hostility or punitive measures,” Marape said.

Prime Minister Marape noted that Papua New Guinea’s trade footprint is increasingly diversified, with strong and growing markets in Asia, Southeast Asia, the broader Pacific region, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

“Our trading partners in Asia — including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and others — have treated Papua New Guinea with respect, honor, and fairness,” he said.

“These are our closest neighbors and represent proximity markets that continue to offer growing opportunities for our producers.”

“We will continue to strengthen our trade relations in Asia and the Pacific, where our produce is welcomed. If the U.S. market becomes more difficult due to this tariff, we will simply redirect our goods to markets where there is mutual respect and no artificial barriers.

The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating PNG’s openness to all partners, including the
United States, but stated clearly that the country would act in its best interests without
compromising its values.

“We remain open for trade, we remain a friend to all, and we will continue to stand by our
principles of cooperation, respect, and economic diplomacy.”