Samoa: economy

What is Samoa's GDP growth rate?

Samoa's real GDP grew 0.1% in the June 2026 quarter compared with a year earlier, to SAT $633.8 million at constant prices, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' GDP report for the June 2026 quarter. This followed a contraction in the March 2026 quarter.

Quarterly growth figures for a small economy move a lot. Real GDP rose 2.3% from the March quarter. Commerce was the biggest drag, with value added down 3.9%. Nominal GDP was SAT $912.1 million, and GDP per head SAT $4,226 for the quarter.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: GDP, June 2026 quarter (PDF)

What is the Samoan tala exchange rate?

One Samoan tala was worth 0.36017 US dollars, 0.64443 New Zealand dollars and 0.51696 Australian dollars on 15 October 2026, according to the Central Bank of Samoa's daily exchange rates. Against the euro it was 0.32293.

These are indicative mid-rates, not for market use, so banks and money transfer services will quote their own buying and selling rates. Rates are shown as foreign currency per tala, so a higher number means a stronger tala.

Official sources: Central Bank of Samoa: daily exchange rates

How many tourists visit Samoa?

Samoa recorded 17,660 visitors in August 2026, 0.9% more than in August 2025, out of 23,161 total arrivals, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' international arrival statistics for August 2026. Arrivals were 14.7% lower than in July.

Visitors made up 70.4% of all arrivals by purpose of entry. Visitors from American Samoa rose, while those from New Zealand fell 9.3% and from Australia 4.2%. Returning residents made up most other arrivals. 93.4% of arrivals came by air.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: international arrival statistics, August 2026 (PDF)

What is Samoa's trade deficit?

Samoa's goods trade deficit was SAT $132.4 million in August 2026, 5.6% smaller than in July but 52.0% larger than in August 2025, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' International Merchandise Trade report for August 2026. Imports were $143.0 million and exports $10.5 million.

Exports rose 17.9%, helped by diesel re-exports to China and coconut oil, beer and tobacco. Imports fell 4.2% on lower petroleum and food imports, with imports from Singapore down to $32.9 million. Monthly figures swing with single shipments, such as a vessel imported in August.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: International Merchandise Trade, August 2026 (PDF)

How much money is sent to Samoa from overseas?

Samoa received SAT $94.2 million in gross private remittances in July 2026, up from $78.7 million in July 2025, according to the Central Bank of Samoa's gross private remittances table for July 2026. Australia sent $39.2 million, New Zealand $31.6 million and the United States $17.5 million.

Most remittances, $81.1 million in July, go to individuals and families; churches, schools and charities received $5.0 million. The Bank compiles the figures from banks and money transfer businesses and publishes them on its visitor earnings and remittances page. For scale, the World Bank puts personal remittances at 22.4% of Samoa's GDP in 2025 (World Bank API).

Official sources: Central Bank of Samoa: Gross Private Remittances, July 2026 (XLSX) · Central Bank of Samoa: Visitor Earnings and Remittances · World Bank API: personal remittances, % of GDP, Samoa

How fast is Samoa's economy growing?

4.2%: that is real GDP growth in Samoa for 2025, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from -5.0% (2021) to 15.2% (2023). East Asia & Pacific median: 3.6%; Samoa is 14th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 66th of 180.

How rich is Samoa per person?

$5,873: that is GDP per person in Samoa for 2025, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 17th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is $6,547. World rank, highest first: 105th of 180.

How does Samoa's income per person compare after prices?

The World Bank puts GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Samoa at $9,319 in international dollars in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 18th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is $14,200 in international dollars. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 125th highest.

How big are Samoa's exports?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 27.6% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 11.5% of GDP (2021) to 35.0% of GDP (2019). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 53.8% of GDP, and Samoa placed 11th highest of 16. World rank, highest first: 86th of 133.

What is Samoa's current account balance?

The IMF puts the current account balance in Samoa at 6.9% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 1.6% of GDP, and Samoa placed 4th highest of 19. Of 132 countries with 2025 data, 13th highest.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Samoa?

The IMF puts net inflows of foreign direct investment in Samoa at 0.2% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 7.2% of GDP; its low point was 2019, at -0.2% of GDP. East Asia & Pacific median: 1.9% of GDP; Samoa is 26th highest of 28. World rank, highest first: 155th of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in Samoa?

The IMF puts the average bank lending rate in Samoa at 8.4% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 12.7%; its low point was 2022, at 8.3%. East Asia & Pacific median: 6.5%; Samoa is 4th highest of 10. Of 73 countries with 2025 data, 43rd highest.