Vanuatu Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Vanuatu's trade openness was 13.91% in 2025, ranked 180th globally. This represents a 78.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Vanuatu's trade openness stood at 13.91% in 2025, a decline of +49.69% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 13.91% by 2025. Vanuatu ranked 180th globally.
Vanuatu’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, has contracted dramatically over the past four decades, falling from a high of 113.67 in 1983 to just 13.91 in 2025, the lowest score among 180 economies. The 44‑year series shows a steady decline after the early 1980s peak, with the most recent figure placing Vanuatu at rank 180 globally and far below peers such as Haiti (21.83) and the United States (26.49). The all‑time trough recorded in 2025 reflects persistent challenges in diversifying export markets, limited industrial capacity, and vulnerability to external shocks such as natural disasters and global commodity price swings. While the historic downturn underscores structural constraints, modest improvements in port infrastructure and participation in regional trade agreements could help reverse the downward trajectory, potentially raising the openness ratio in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 13.91% | - | - |
| 2025 | 13.91% | −49.69% | #180 |
| 2022 | 63.60% | +3.65% | #53 |
| 2021 | 59.95% | −9.96% | #57 |
| 2020 | 69.91% | −29.47% | #90 |
| 2019 | 99.38% | −11.30% | #124 |
| 2018 | 110.68% | +5.15% | #139 |
| 2017 | 105.53% | −0.83% | #135 |
| 2016 | 106.35% | −2.41% | #136 |
| 2015 | 108.76% | +3.56% | #138 |
| 2014 | 105.20% | −1.21% | #130 |
| 2013 | 106.41% | +1.96% | #129 |
| 2012 | 104.45% | +7.45% | #120 |
| 2011 | 97.00% | −6.82% | #107 |
| 2010 | 103.82% | −4.67% | #133 |
| 2009 | 108.49% | +2.71% | #140 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Vanuatu matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanuatu's trade openness was 13.91% in 2025. Ranked 180th globally. This represents a 78.1% decrease from the previous year.
Vanuatu's trade openness peaked at 113.67% in 1983.
The lowest trade openness in Vanuatu was 13.91% in 2025.
Vanuatu ranks 180th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Vanuatu's trade openness is projected to reach 13.91% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Vanuatu in 2025 was 13.91%. This ranks 180th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_vanuatu_trade-openness,
title = {Vanuatu Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/vanuatu/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}