1 week Ago By Repeka Nasiko
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says a more regional approach would be taken to address the United States of America’s global tariffs following President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause.Speaking to the media in Rakiraki yesterday, Mr Rabuka said discussions have been made with regional leaders on the region’s next step.“First of all, we have to look at our own products going in and also look at it from a regional point of view,” said Mr Rabuka.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), I had a very good dinner meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters, and the day before I had the opportunity to talk to four Pacific leaders of the PIFS Troika.“We are planning on coming together in a joint effort particularly from the point of view of maintaining the Pacific as a regional ocean of peace.”Mr Rabuka said they did not want to destabilise the region.
“We want to improve the stability of the region and the cohesion among the nations so in that sense, we welcome the 10 per cent that is currently levied on us for a few more days.“In those few days that are remaining we will work out a collective position while at the same time there may be opportunities offered to us for bilateral meetings between some of the leaders with the President of the United States of America.”Fiji topped the list of Pacific Island countries hit with reciprocal tariffs at 32 per cent that were set to come into effect on April 9, however, the tariff was put on a 90 day pause.
Over the 90-day pause announced by President Trump, Fiji and other global trade partners of the US were imposed with a 10 per cent tariff.Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated April 18, 2025The post Regional leaders to decide next step appeared first on The Fiji Times..
