Hong Kong continues to be the world’s largest importer and an important trading hub of Tahitian pearls, accounting for 65 percent of total weight and 58 percent of total value in 2017, according to recent statistics from Marine and Mining Resources, French Polynesia.
Last year, a total of 14.7 tonnes or 8.9 million pieces of Tahitian pearls were exported with a total value of XPF 81.2 billion, a yoy rise of 40 percent, 46 percent and 26 percent in terms of weight, quantity and value respectively thanks to the increasing demand and sales activities, said Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK).
The flamboyant mood was also witnessed at recent auctions. The 21st Cooperate Tahiti Auction (Rikitea Auction) held 25-26 March 2018 in Tahiti fetched over four million euros. A total of 358,298 pieces or nearly 98 percent of Tahitian pearls were sold. According to TPAHK, overseas buyers were mainly from Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong, the United States, Hawaii, etc. Those from Asia accounted for over 86 percent by pearls sold and over 90 percent by total sales.
Major export markets of Tahitian pearls 2017
|
Country/region |
Weight (kg) |
Quantity (‘000) |
Value in XPF (mn) |
|
Hong Kong |
9,518 |
5,502 |
4,679 |
|
Japan |
4,415 |
2,928 |
2,991 |
|
USA |
238 |
137 |
113 |
|
France |
183 |
145 |
103 |
|
Mainland China |
208 |
112 |
88 |
|
New Caledonia |
59 |
42 |
57 |
|
Denmark |
23 |
13 |
24 |
|
Vietnam |
22 |
15 |
23 |
|
Taiwan |
23 |
13 |
20 |
|
Others |
33 |
21 |
19 |
|
Total |
14,722 |
8,928 |
8,117 |
Source: Marine and Mining Resources, French Polynesia
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