Fiji among big Pacific losers under Trump tariffs
Fiji and American lovers of high-end bottled water Fiji Water – stand as the big losers of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff play in the Pacific. In the blue continent, some of the world’s
Fiji hit with 32% US tariff under Trump’s new trade policy
Fiji will now face a 32% tariff on its exports to the US, with water exports to be hardest
‘Playing gods with the cradle of life’: French Polynesia’s president issues warning over deep-sea mining
French Polynesia’s president has issued a stark warning over the risks of deep-sea mining, saying it will be allowed in his territory “over my dead body” as he argues the potential for environmental damage
Financial desperation is driving TMC’s reckless push to bypass International law inbox
The Deep Sea Mining Campaign (DSMC) has condemned The Metals Company’s (TMC) announcement that it will seek deep-sea mining permits through the United States as a cynical, desperate attempt to stay afloat, not a
Poll position: What Australia’s election holds for the Pacific
Australia’s policies toward the Pacific will continue to be primarily driven by China’s resurgence, no matter who is elected. Commentary by Tess Newton Cain When Solomon Islands and China signed a
Walande, climate displacement and human rights
Over decades, the small community of Walande has seen their offshore home in Solomon Islands battered by cyclones, storm surges and sea level rise. Relocating to the mainland of Malaita—the nation’s most populous
Briefs
American Samoa The American Senate has unanimously passed a bill removing the 10% cap on local investments by the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (ASGERF). Supporters argue it will strengthen the
Wellington eyes strategic denial in the Cook Islands
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ row with the Cook Islands government in February was every bit as odd as his January quarrel with the President of Kiribati. It arose after the Cook Islands Prime Minister,
Misogyny on the rise: But women fight back
The opening session of the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW) meeting in New York this month heard that “misogyny is on the rise.” Sima Bahous, the Executive Director of UN Women, said women and girls are
Rising to the call: Vanuatu strengthens local expertise for organic certification
A new generation of skilled auditors and consultants in Vanuatu is driving organic certification efforts, helping local farmers tap into higher-value markets. As global demand for organic products rises, the Vanuatu
February 2025 Vol 51 No. 2
Freesoul’s Malolo mess 8 years on Cook Island PM’s challenges go beyond China New Zealand’s strange diplomatic stoush with Kiribati It’s time to stop the rot Providing stability and school Fiji’s garment
