Export volumes of Tahitian pearls returned to pre-Covid levels last year, with the Hong Kong market instrumental in bolstering demand.

Data from the Marine Resources Department of French Polynesia indicated that 9.779 million Tahitian pearls were exported in 2021, up 63 percentage points over 2020’s total of 5.985 million pearls. 

In weight terms, exports nearly doubled last year, reaching 16,865 kilos. This was a 90 per cent increase over the 8,860 kilos registered in 2020. 

Hong Kong remained the leading importer of Tahitian pearls, followed by Japan, the US, Vietnam and France. 

In 2021, Hong Kong imported 10.7 tonnes of Tahitian pearls, accounting for 63 per cent of total volumes and 55 per cent of the total value of Tahiti’s export production. 

Source: Marine Resources Department of French Polynesia
 

The Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK) said the resilience and determination of Hong Kong dealers helped sustain demand for the gem amid the pandemic.   

To facilitate trade despite Covid-related travel restrictions and border closures, auction organisers Rio Pearl and Gyso Pearls sent their merchandise to Shenzhen where they held their pearl auctions.

Other leading auction organisers in Hong Kong such as Robert Wan and Poe Raua Nui introduced a virtual element to their physical auctions by providing videos and details of their goods to buyers overseas.

TPAHK also conducted several promotional activities to maintain consumer and trade awareness of Tahitian pearls in Hong Kong. It sponsored the JMA International Jewelry Design Competition, where many winning entries featured Tahitian pearls; organised social media campaigns on the appeal of the gem; and published leaflets promoting its members’ products.

In addition, the association participated in local jewellery exhibitions where it conducted “The World of Tahitian Pearls” seminars. It also set up a WeChat account for ease of communication with Chinese-speaking consumers.