The Samoa economy wraps up 2024 with steady gains and clear direction, riding a wave of tourism revival and family support from abroad in this beautiful South Pacific paradise. Home to 218,000 friendly people living on Upolu and Savai’i islands, the nation recorded a $1.07 billion GDP and 2.1% real growth, according to the World Bank and Samoa Bureau of Statistics. This marks a solid step up from Samoa economy 2023 when growth was 1.9% after lingering COVID effects. Per capita income now stands at $4,378, enough to cover school fees, bus rides, and weekend barbecues for most families, though many still grow taro and catch fish to make ends meet. What is the economy of Samoa? A vibrant mix of services where tourism brings in 25% of all money, remittances from Samoans in Australia and New Zealand add another 20%, and agriculture like coconut oil and nonu fruit chips in the rest. The Samoa economy saw imports at $0.47 billion—mostly food, fuel, and building materials—and exports at $0.04 billion, creating a $0.43 billion trade gap that aid and family money happily fill. Public debt sits at $0.802 billion (75% of GDP), high but manageable with careful planning and low interest from friends like China and Australia. No gold or silver reserves, but foreign cash holdings of $0.5 billion act as a safety net. As Samoa economy news today celebrates, Samoa economy 2025 looks bright with 2.1% growth forecast, powered by 150,000 tourists, new eco-lodges, and stronger fishing deals, proving this Samoa economy turns ocean waves into real wins for families1.
Table of Facts and Figures: A Closer Look at the Samoa Economy
This vertical table breaks down 2024 numbers for the Samoa economy using trusted sources like the World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank, and Samoa’s Central Bank. Each remark explains what the number means for everyday people, connects to Samoa economy 2023 (1.9% growth) and Samoa economy 2022 (0.8%), and gives clear tips for Samoa economy 2025 success amid Samoa economy 2024 inflation (3.5%).
| Metric | Value | Remarks |
| GDP 2024 | $1.07 B | Total money from tourism ($267 M), remittances ($214 M), agriculture ($160 M), and services ($107 M). Up 14% from $0.938 B in 2023. Pays for free schools, clinics, and roads for 218,000 people. Samoa economy overview: Tourism leads rebound. Tip for 2025: Build 15 eco-resorts to add $80 M and 1,000 jobs. |
| Growth 2024 | 2.10% | Real increase from 1.9% in Samoa economy 2023. Much better than Samoa economy 2022 (0.8%) and Samoa economy 2021 (3.7%). Samoa economy 2024 grows with 120,000 tourists. Plan 2.1% in Samoa economy 2025 with new flights. Tip: Train 2,000 youth in hospitality for faster growth. |
| Population 2024 | 218,000 | Most live in Apia (66,000) and rural villages. Young people (60% under 30) need work. Many move to Australia or New Zealand. Samoa economy tip: Open fish processing plants to keep 500 at home. |
| Per Capita 2024 | $4,378 | Money per person, up 7.9% from 2023. Buys school books, bus fares, and weekend feasts. Still middle-income—poverty at 20%. Samoa economy fix: Organic coconut oil can add $300 per person. |
| % of World GDP 2024 | 0.00% | Tiny global slice, but remittances bring 4% of all money. Ties to australia-economy for aid. Samoa economy tip: Sell carbon credits from rainforests2. |
| Imports 2024 | $0.47 B | Food ($0.28 B), fuel ($0.12 B), machines ($0.06 B). Ships from Fiji and New Zealand. Up 5% from last year. Samoa economy save: Grow rice and chicken to cut $70 M. |
| Exports 2024 | $0.04 B | Coconut oil ($0.02 B), beer ($0.005 B), fish ($0.005 B). Down 5% due to storm damage. Samoa economy 2024 gap big. Tip: Sell organic coconut to Europe for $20 M. |
| Debt 2024 | $0.802 B | 75% of GDP—high but falling. Remittances pay $100 M yearly. Samoa economy use: Refinance at low rates for solar farms. |
| Gold Reserves 2024 | 0 | No gold. Cash from remittances ($214 M) acts as savings. Samoa economy tip: Invest in green bonds. |
| Silver Reserves 2024 | 0 | No silver. Focus on crops. Samoa economy idea: Make coconut jewelry for tourists—add $5 M. |
These numbers show the Samoa economy is small, family-focused, and tourism-powered.
The bar chart makes it clear: imports are half of GDP, exports are very small. Debt is high but falling3.
This pie chart shows tourism makes up 25% of all money in the Samoa economy.
Major Imports and Exports: What Samoa Buys and Sells
Trade plays a big role in the Samoa economy, but exports are much smaller than imports. In 2024, exports reached $0.04 billion while imports hit $0.47 billion, leaving a $0.43 billion gap covered by tourism, remittances, and aid from Australia and New Zealand.
Top Exports
- Coconut Oil ($0.02 B)
- 50% of exports. Sold to Australia and Fiji for cooking and soap.
- Beer ($0.005 B)
- Vailima brand to New Zealand and American Samoa.
- Fish and Seafood ($0.005 B)
- Tuna cans to the U.S. and Europe.
- Nonu Juice ($0.003 B)
- Health drink to Australia.
- Taro and Root Crops ($0.002 B)
- To New Zealand families.
Top Imports
- Food and Drinks ($0.28 B)
- Rice, chicken, canned goods from Fiji and Australia. 60% of all imports.
- Fuel and Oil ($0.12 B)
- Petrol and diesel from Singapore.
- Construction Materials and Machines ($0.06 B)
- Cement, steel, solar panels from China.
- Vehicles and Boats ($0.02 B)
- Cars and fishing boats from Japan.
- Electronics and Medicine ($0.01 B)
- Phones and drugs from the U.S. and India.
Samoa economy 2024 depends on weekly cargo ships from Fiji. Local farms and factories can cut food and fuel imports by $100 million.
Market Trends That Will Shape Samoa Economy in 2025
The Samoa economy is set for 2.1% growth in 2025, according to IMF and World Bank forecasts. Here are the big trends:
1. Tourism Boom
- 150,000 visitors target (+25%).
- Eco-lodges, cultural villages, and diving bring $300 million.
2. Remittances Growth
- $300 million from Samoans abroad.
- Funds new homes and shops.
3. Agriculture Revival
- Coconut production up 15% with new trees.
- Organic nonu and taro exports add $20 million.
4. Green Energy Push
- 20 MW solar plant online by mid-2025.
- Saves $50 million in fuel imports.
5. Climate Risks Remain
- Cyclone season threatens crops.
- Aid and insurance act as safety nets.
Simple Tips to Help Samoa Economy Grow:
- Tour smarter: Market cultural festivals online—add $80 M.
- Farm better: Use greenhouses for vegetables—cut imports $70 M.
- Teach skills: Train 2,000 in hospitality and farming—create 600 jobs.
Samoa Economy Overview: From Past to Future
The Samoa economy overview tells a story of survival and smart change. Before COVID, tourism and remittances were strong. Samoa economy 2020 crashed to -7.9% with no flights. Samoa economy 2021 stayed low at 3.7%. Samoa economy 2022 bounced to 0.8%, Samoa economy 2023 to 1.9%, and Samoa economy 2024 hit 2.1%. With 218,000 people on 1,100 sq miles of volcanic land, the Samoa economy fights storms with green energy, family ties, and nature-based tourism.
FAQs
What is Samoa economy like in 2024?
$1.07 B GDP with 2.1% growth. Tourism and remittances bring in most cash.
How will Samoa economy grow in 2025?
Plan for 2.1% growth. 150,000 tourists, solar power, and aid will help.
What does Samoa sell and buy most?
Sells coconut oil ($0.02 B). Buys food ($0.28 B) and fuel ($0.12 B).
Why is tourism so big in Samoa economy?
Tourism gives $267 M a year—25% of all money. Beaches and culture draw visitors.
How did Samoa economy change since 2020?
Samoa economy 2020 fell 7.9%. Now in 2024, it grows 2.1% with tourism back.
What is the Samoa economy based on?
Tourism (25%), remittances (20%), agriculture (15%).
Is Samoa economy safe from cyclones?
Yes, with plans. The Samoa economy uses aid for storm-proof homes and insurance.
Conclusion
The Samoa economy rises with island spirit. From 2024’s 2.1% growth to Samoa economy 2025‘s 2.1% hope. $1.07 B GDP. Trade gap with tourism and family help. High debt but falling fast.
Summary: Tour green, farm smart, use family cash well. Samoa economy to you—ocean strength? Share your thoughts!
