The canned tuna industry (Soltuna) in the Solomon Islands, a vital sector for local employment and the national economy, is facing an uncertain future due to a surge in imported canned tuna from Asian countries.
Over the past few years, cheaper imports have flooded the local market, threatening the survival of the only domestic producer, Soltuna. Despite this growing concern, there has been little to no action from authorities to shield the local industry from these foreign products.
The impact on local tuna producers is undeniable. As imported canned tuna becomes increasingly available, it is often sold at lower prices, making it more affordable for some consumers. This price difference has created division within the community.
Some locals argue that the government and relevant authorities must take action to protect local businesses, which are crucial for employment and the economy.
“Price dumping at the expense of our own Soltuna Products. How about the Commerce Ministry protecting our local industries by allowing only products we can not manufacture locally into our country. ” said Pips. H
These advocates stress that safeguarding the Solomon Islands’ tuna industry should be a priority, as it provides livelihoods for many families and contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP.
“Solomon Islands is an open economy. These things are deemed to happen unless there are regulations on these products. Since the government is not regulating these products, one solution is for everyone to stop buying it. Until then, there will be a lot more of these products flooding into the country.” Drei added.
However, others counter this view, highlighting that imported canned tuna offers an affordable alternative for households struggling with rising costs. For some consumers, the cheaper option is simply more accessible, making the debate even more complex.
“The reality is that locals are buying and consuming these cheap products becoz our very own soltuna varieties are very expensive. They say chilly tuna in some shops in Gizo ranges between $14.00 to $16.00 while the production centre (Noro) is just a “stone-throw” away,” said Gibson. G
They point out that not everyone can afford the premium price of locally produced tuna, and the influx of cheaper imports helps keep their food costs down.
In response, some Solomon Islanders suggest the solution lies in consumer choice. They propose that individuals should support local products by choosing Solomon Islands tuna over imports. However, this approach does little to address the broader economic pressures that the industry faces.
This issue calls for urgent attention. With little intervention from the authorities, the Solomon Islands’ canned tuna industry is at risk of being overshadowed by foreign imports, which could lead to job losses and the eventual collapse of an important local sector. More decisive action is needed to ensure a sustainable future for the industry and the people it supports.
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