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Cook Islands

US Revised Tariffs (%)

10

Ease of doing business

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Share of US Imports % (1 implies <1%)
US Tariff %
Revised Tariff %
Country Tariff Rate %
1
10
10
0
Exports (in USD Bill.) 2024
Imports (in USD Bill.) 2024
Balance (in USD Bill.) 2024
0.01
0
0.01

US Revised Tariffs

Country Tariffs

Balance of Trade

Commercial Guide

Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in countries, prepared by U.S. Embassies worldwide, Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals

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Tariff Rate for US

World Bank staff estimates using the World Integrated Trade Solution system, based on tariff data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's Trade Analysis and Information System ( TRAINS ) database and global imports data from the United Nations Statistics Division's Comtrade database.

Tariff rate, applied, weighted mean, all products (%)

US Imports Guide 

United States Imports from Countries during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. United States Imports from Countries- data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on April of 2025.

Trading Economics - Imports

Implications

As of Saturday, April 19, 2025, here's the latest update on tariffs concerning the Cook Islands: United States Tariffs on Imports from the Cook Islands: The Cook Islands has been hit with a 10 percent basic tariff on all foreign imports by the United States. This tariff was imposed by President Donald Trump and took effect in early April 2025.   This development has caused concern within the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, who foresee potential negative ripple effects on the local economy, even though direct trade between the two nations is minimal.   The Cook Islands' Chief Government Economist, Tristan Metcalfe, acknowledges the attention this tariff has drawn but anticipates the direct impact on the Cook Islands to be relatively small. In 2024, Cook Islands' imports from the U.S. were valued at approximately $8.3 million, while exports to the U.S. were only around $90,000, totaling less than 1.5% of their GDP.   There is uncertainty within the Cook Islands government regarding how the U.S. determined the 10 percent tariff, especially considering that the Cook Islands generally does not impose tariffs on goods from the United States.   Cook Islands' Own Tariffs: The Cook Islands generally has a low tariff regime. They do levy some tariffs, but these are primarily restricted to specific items such as pearls, a limited selection of seasonal vegetables, used motor vehicles, and motorbikes with larger engines.   The Cook Islands also applies excise taxes on goods like tobacco, alcohol, fuel, and sugar-sweetened beverages, regardless of their origin. These might appear as tariffs when there is no local production.   A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 20% is applied to imported goods above a certain threshold, aiming to create a level playing field with locally sold goods. Indirect Impacts: Despite the low direct trade volume, the Cook Islands is concerned about the indirect economic consequences of the broader U.S. tariff increases on global trade.   The Cook Islands relies heavily on imports for consumer goods, many of which originate from or pass through trade hubs with strong ties to the U.S., such as New Zealand and China.   The increased U.S. tariffs on major trading partners could lead to higher costs for manufacturers and exporters in those countries, potentially being passed down the supply chain and increasing prices for the Cook Islands. There is specific concern about the potential impact on fuel prices and freight costs, which are critical for the Cook Islands' tourism-driven economy. A reduction in tourist numbers or spending due to global economic uncertainty caused by tariff disputes could also pose a significant challenge.   In summary, while the direct tariff imposed by the U.S. on Cook Islands' exports is a new development causing some concern, the more significant worry for the Cook Islands appears to be the potential for indirect economic fallout from the wider global trade tensions and tariff increases initiated by the United States. The Cook Islands themselves maintain a relatively open trade policy with low tariffs on most goods.

US Negotiation Strategy

Based on available information from April 2025, the top imports to the US from the Cook Islands are relatively limited in value. However, key products include: Seafood: Particularly tuna (fresh and frozen). Fruit Juices: Likely citrus or tropical fruit-based. Coral and Shells: Unworked. Live Ornamental Fish. Pearls: Natural or cultured, and articles thereof. Regarding which states in the US can manufacture similar products, here's a breakdown with company examples: Seafood Processing: Several US states have significant seafood processing industries: Alaska: Peter Pan Seafoods, Trident Seafoods.   Washington: Icicle Seafoods, Ocean Beauty Seafoods.   Louisiana: LA Fish Fry Products, Tony Chachere's Creole Foods (also processes seafood). Massachusetts: Gorton's of Gloucester, Legal Sea Foods (also restaurants).   Maine: While not directly comparable to tuna processing, Maine has a significant lobster and groundfish processing sector (though Bumble Bee Seafoods is headquartered in California).   Fruit Juice Production: Many states with fruit cultivation or large food and beverage manufacturing sectors produce fruit juices: California: Minute Maid (Coca-Cola owned), Knudsen Family.   Florida: Tropicana (PepsiCo owned), Florida's Natural.   Washington: Tree Top, Mott's (apples, but also blends). New York: Seneca Foods. Coral and Shell Products/Ornamental Fish: This is a more niche market in the US, often involving smaller businesses or aquaculture facilities. Florida: Due to its tropical climate and marine environment, Florida has businesses involved in aquaculture for ornamental fish and some shell trade (though often regulated).   Hawaii: Similar to Florida, with some aquaculture and shell-related businesses. It's less likely that large-scale "manufacturing" of raw coral occurs, as environmental regulations often restrict its collection. Shells might be used in handicrafts manufactured by smaller businesses across various coastal states. Pearls and Pearl Products: While the US does have some pearl cultivation, it's not a major industry compared to some Asian countries. Manufacturing of pearl articles would likely occur in states with jewelry industries. Rhode Island: Has a history of jewelry manufacturing.   New York: New York City is a major hub for the jewelry industry.   California: Also has a significant jewelry manufacturing sector. It's important to note that the scale of the Cook Islands' exports to the US is quite small. The US has well-established industries in most of these categories, primarily serving domestic demand and often exporting these types of products themselves. The imports from the Cook Islands likely fill specific niche markets or have unique qualities.

Investing in USA

theboardiQ Economic Relevance Score, ranks States of USA based on 11 parameters

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Sources : Forbes | USDA Economic Research | TCGen Total Innovation Rank Index | Best States for Manufacturing | World Population Review | Tax Foundation | US News | BEA Data | Wikipedia | International Trade Administration

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theboardiQ's Economic Relevance Score provides a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of a nation's economic vitality and global significance. This score is meticulously calculated using 11 key parameters, each reflecting a critical facet of economic performance. It analyzes the representation of Fortune 500 companies within a nation, a strong indicator of its business environment and market size. The balance of trade surplus or deficit reveals the nation's international competitiveness and export strength. It incorporates Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a fundamental measure of overall economic output, and examine the health of key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. The score also accounts for innovation, gauging a nation's ability to drive future growth through technological advancements. Crucial labor market indicators such as employment rates are considered, alongside fiscal policies reflected in tax rates. To capture the lived experience of citizens, it assesses cost of living and disposable income, providing insight into purchasing power and economic well-being. Finally, education levels are integrated, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering a skilled workforce and driving long-term economic development. By synthesizing these 11 parameters, theboardiQ's Economic Relevance Score delivers a nuanced and holistic view of a nation's economic standing, enabling informed strategic decisions. The Top 5 States in the assessment are Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Washington. Texas does consistently well across most of the 11 variables especially in the areas of GDP, F500 representation in the State, Balance of Trade where it ranks 2nd nationally. North Carolina scores as the highest-ranking state nationally in manufacturing and performs consistently across the other variables. Virginia does well in disposable income where it ranks 3rd nationally. It also scores high in the variables of manufacturing and employment Florida holds the 4th ranking nationally for GDP and Tax Washington State scores the top spot for disposable income nationally, 2nd for education and 3rd for innovation. Colorado, with an overall rank of 7 scores the top spot for Education (schools and higher education). Nebraska, that ranked 10th overall, did well in Agriculture where it is ranked 3rd nationally as well as Trade Balance where it ranked 5th. Illinois, though ranked 20th overall did well nationally in F500 representation, GDP, Agriculture, and Disposable Income. Pennsylvania comes in at 21 overall doing well nationally in GDP (6th); Manufacturing (8th) and F500 representation (8th) New York scores 23rd overall with a 2 ranking in Disposable Income nationally, as well as 3rd in both F500 representation and GDP. California comes in at 29th overall and has the top spot ranking in a whopping 4 variables nationally – GDP, Innovation, Agriculture and F500 representation. However, performance in the areas of Trade Balance, Cost of Living, Tax, Manufacturing and Employment resulted in the overall ranking dipping. Wyoming at 30th overall scores the top spot nationally in the area of Tax Massachusetts at 31 overall does well in innovation where it is ranked 2nd nationally Arkansas at 36 and Alabama at 39, do well in overall Cost of Living where they are ranked 2nd and 3rd nationally, respectively. Louisiana ranked 44th overall is ranked 1st in Trade Balance nationally.

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