Agricultural production and export volumes in Vanuatu declined slightly in the first quarter of 2025, according to a new report from the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics.

In the livestock sector, beef exports remained steady in quantity compared to the previous quarter, but the total value dropped by VT 9 million. The average export price per kilogram also fell to VT 221. Domestic beef production recorded a total of 2,284 head of cattle slaughtered — a 5% decrease from the previous quarter and a 13% drop compared to the same quarter in 2024. The report attributes the decline to low market demand and challenges faced by farmers.

Kava exports recorded the largest drop in the March quarter. Export volumes dropped by 36%, from 368 tonnes to 234 tonnes, and the export value fell by 39%, from VT 1.58 billion to VT 965 million. Despite the drop, kava continues to be Vanuatu’s leading export, accounting for 67% of total domestic export value in the quarter.

The report showed mixed results for copra and cocoa.

Copra production declined by 10% compared to the previous quarter but increased by 99% compared to the same time last year. Export volume rose by 19%, and the value increased by 41%, reaching VT 33 million. The average price per tonne remained stable.

For cocoa, domestic production rose to 213 tonnes, with export value increasing to VT 91 million. The price per kilogram increased by 14%. However, export volume dropped significantly by 50%, and the value fell by 28%, despite a 5% increase in price per kilogram.

The Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics report highlights that key agricultural exports such as kava, beef, and cocoa declined, while copra saw improvement. The overall decrease across most sectors was largely due to reduced market demand and ongoing climate-related challenges affecting production.