Suki Tax Consideration in Fiji

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, mentioned during a recent State of the Economy Breakfast Talanoa session that the government is considering introducing a tax on suki (a type of tobacco) in the next budget.

The suki industry was valued at approximately $12 million in 2012.

Professor Prasad highlighted that some subsistence farmers grow and sell suki locally, and discussions are ongoing about how to incorporate them into the tax system.

He noted that taxes on products like tobacco and alcohol are generally seen as effective revenue sources for the government, as consumption tends to remain stable even with tax increases.