Aside from fish and a very small amount of vegetables and chicken all food and other supplies are imported from Australia, New Zealand or Fiji. There is no manufacturing or production capacity locally. Local markets cannot supply local demand so certainly would not be able to scale up. Outer islands receive supplies by coastal shipping from Tarawa, or in the case of the Phoenix and Line Islands, from Christmas Island. Disruption or delays to shipping can result in shortages of staples such as rice and grains. 

Imported goods are generally of a basic nature as the local economy cannot support luxury goods or expensive electronic or IT goods. 

Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies are very limited in Kiribati, hence travellers are advised to bring with them sufficient supply of medication that they may require during their visit.  

The only significant export from the country is copra. The Government has leased the majority of fishing rights to foreign interests.

Generic country information can be located from sources that are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a general overview of country data related to the service and supply sectors, please consult the following sources:

The Observatory of Economic Complexity – MIT (OEC): (http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/)  

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.  

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.