According to the export figures of 2018, Hong Kong continues to be the largest importer of Tahitian pearls, commanding a 63% share in total export weight and 57% in export value. In terms of export value, China used to be the 5th exporter in 2017 whereas climbing up to 3rd in 2018.
2018 Export Statistics of Tahitian Pearls
Country / Region
|
Net weight(kg)
|
Weight %
|
Qty (’000)
|
Qty %
|
Value (XPF Million)
|
Value %
|
Hong Kong
|
7,877.7
|
63.3%
|
4,849
|
60.5%
|
4,250.8
|
57%
|
Japan
|
3,801.2
|
30.6%
|
2,654
|
33.1%
|
2,762.1
|
37%
|
China
|
217.2
|
1.7%
|
133
|
1.7%
|
129.5
|
1.7%
|
United States
|
225.6
|
1.8%
|
133
|
1.7%
|
108.6
|
1.5%
|
France
|
166.6
|
1.3%
|
139
|
1.7%
|
91.8
|
1.2%
|
New Caledonia
|
63
|
0.5%
|
49
|
0.6%
|
45.5
|
0.6%
|
Vanuatu
|
11.6
|
0.1%
|
8
|
0.1%
|
16.5
|
0.2%
|
Taiwan
|
18.3
|
0.1%
|
10
|
0.1%
|
14
|
0.2%
|
Denmark
|
13.5
|
0.1%
|
10
|
0.1%
|
13.3
|
0.2%
|
Others*
|
46.3
|
0.4%
|
27
|
0.3%
|
31.1
|
0.4%
|
|
12,441
|
100%
|
8,012
|
100%
|
7,463
|
100%
|
* Others include Vietnam, Australia, Swiss, Italy, Canada, Germany, Malta, Belgium, Guadeloupe, Israel, Tonga, Lithuania, Britain
|
Source: Marine and Mining Resources, French Polynesia by TPAHK
|
Stable Prices with Constant Demand
Due to the shortage of baby oysters for Tahitian pearls, the production volume of Tahitian pearls has declined substantially. According to the export statistics, the export quantity has been dropping by 15% in 2018. However, the average price per gram and per piece has been increased by 9% and 2% respectively despite the economic instability, showing a positive sign for Tahitian pearls with its uniqueness and rareness in the market.