Economic Activities in Vanuatu: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Key Economic Insights: The economy of Vanuatu generates an estimated GDP of $1.35 billion ($4,039 per capita) supporting a population of 335,169. Key merchandise exports include fish, perfume plants, copra, shellfish, and cocoa beans, directed primarily toward Thailand (42%), Japan (27%), South Korea (7%), the Philippines (6%), and China (5%).

Vanuatu, with a population of 335,169 (2025), is ranked 177th in the world, just behind Iceland. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, it covers an area of 12,190 square kilometers, ranking 149th globally, just below Montenegro.

As of 2025, Vanuatu’s economy is positioned at a GDP of approximately $1.35 billion (current US$), ranking among the world’s smallest economies. The GDP per capita for Vanuatu in 2025 is approximately $4,039 (current US$), placing it among lower-middle-income nations.

Vanuatu’s economic position reflects its status as a developing nation with potential for growth and development in the coming years.

Table of Contents

Vanuatu Economic Structure & Sector Analysis

Economic Dimension	Figure	Authoritative Source
GDP & Macro Output	Nominal GDP: $1.35 billion \| Per Capita: $4,039	World Bank WDI / IMF
Trade & Commodities	Top Exports: fish, perfume plants, copra, shellfish, and cocoa beans	UN Comtrade / OEC
Demographics & Labor	Population: 335,169	ILO / UN Population Division
Strategic Trade Corridors	Leading Trade Partners: Thailand (42%), Japan (27%), South Korea (7%), the Philippines (6%), and China (5%)	World Bank WITS / IMF DOTS

Primary activities (agriculture, forestry, fishing): 26.6% of GDP (2024).
Secondary activities (industry, incl. construction): 10.1% of GDP (2024).
Tertiary activities (services): 56.8% of GDP (2024, World Bank).

Vanuatu economy by sector

Share of GDP, 2024, compared with the world average

Services make up the largest part of the economy, at 56.8% of GDP in 2024. Agriculture’s share is above the world average of 4.1%, and industry’s share is below the world’s 25.4%. Data: World Bank (World Development Indicators, value added by sector, % of GDP); world average: World Bank. The three shares do not add up to exactly 100% because GDP also includes taxes on products minus subsidies.

Primary Sector of Vanuatu

With 15.34% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a diverse range of products including coconuts, root vegetables, bananas, and pork. Agriculture contributes about 26.6% to GDP (2024, World Bank), making it a major part of the economy.

The top ten agricultural products by tonnage include crops and animal products such as vegetables, fruits, beef, and tropical fruits.

Abundant manganese deposits, extensive hardwood forests, and thriving fish stocks drive the economy. These resources support industries like mining, logging, and fishing, providing essential income and employment opportunities for the local population.

Secondary Sector of Vanuatu

In Vanuatu, main industrial products include food and fish freezing, wood processing, and meat canning. These activities add value to raw materials, creating products for domestic consumption or export.In 2023, Vanuatu’s manufactures exports accounted for a small percentage of the total exports, indicating their limited significance in the country’s economy.

Tertiary sector of Vanuatu

Port Vila illustrating Vanuatu's tertiary service sector

The tertiary sector in Vanuatu encompasses a wide range of services provided by individuals to enhance productivity and meet needs. Key activities include healthcare, education, banking, tourism, transportation, telecommunications, and security services. These sectors support the country’s economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens.Among these, Vanuatu’s tourism industry accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. With an impressive 256,000 annual arrivals, the sector contributes substantially to the nation’s prosperity. Popular destinations like Tanna Island and Port Vila attract visitors.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 256,000 subscriptions, supporting technological growth. With 78 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, it improves connectivity and supports innovation and digital services.

Biggest company in Vanuatu

Which is the biggest company in Vanuatu? The largest domestic company is the National Bank of Vanuatu (NBV), the country’s principal commercial bank. Headquartered in Port Vila and majority-owned by the Vanuatu National Provident Fund and the Government of Vanuatu, it operates the widest branch network in the country and sits within the tertiary (services) sector.

International Trade of Vanuatu

Import Activities of Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s imports account for 53.69% of GDP, which shows a heavy reliance on imported goods.Vanuatu’s import activities are significant, with China being the largest partner at 24%. Imports include refined petroleum, ships, plastic products, poultry, and broadcasting equipment from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

Exports Activities of Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s total exports in 2023 amounted to $156,448,979.71. With exports contributing to 14.82% of its GDP, the country’s export activities hold medium importance in driving economic growth and sustainability.Vanuatu primarily exports fish, perfume plants, copra, shellfish, and cocoa beans. Its key export partners are Thailand (42%), Japan (27%), South Korea (7%), the Philippines (6%), and China (5%).

Vanuatu economy challenges in 2024

Vanuatu faces challenges in 2024 with a struggling economy heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism. The country is still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic and Tropical Cyclone Harold. Inflation is a significant issue, and development relies on road infrastructure aid from Australia.

Sources

Last updated: October 2026

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Post Author

Juan David Montoya

Economist & Senior Economic Researcher. Editorial Director of EconomicActivity.org. Specializes in macroeconomic indicators, international trade flows, and economic sector taxonomy (ISIC Rev. 4). Analyzes multilateral data from the World Bank, IMF, UN Comtrade, and OECD.