HIES 2026–2027 Fieldwork In Progress
NEWS
Update On HIES Fieldwork Progress
Enumeration for the 2026–2027 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) commenced on 16 March following an intensive two-week training held in Mangaliliu Village, North Efate. A total of 49 fieldworkers, organized into 16 teams of enumerators and supervisors, are now deployed across all six provinces—from Torba to Tafea—as well as in the urban centres of Port Vila and Luganville. This national data collection effort, the largest household survey of its kind in Vanuatu, is being implemented over 32 rounds across a 12-month period and will generate critical data on income, health, education, labour, food security, wellbeing, and other key indicators.
To date, teams have successfully completed the first two rounds of enumeration, with 330 households participating out of the national target of 5,280 households. Following this initial phase, field teams will observe a two-week Easter break before resuming operations with Round 3 on Monday 13 April. The data collected through HIES will play a central role in updating key economic statistics, including the rebasing of National Accounts and the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as well as supporting analysis of poverty and inequality by development partners such as the World Bank. The last HIES was conducted in 2019–2020.
LATEST RELEASES
International Visitors & Resident Arrivals (IVA)
January 2026
Vanuatu recorded 45,679 international visitors in January 2026, driven largely by cruise arrivals. Holiday travel dominated, with Australia remaining the top source market for visitors. On average, visitors stayed 10 days, reflecting strong tourism activity..
International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS)
February 2026
Vanuatu’s latest International Merchandise Trade Statistics for February 2026 highlight continued trade challenges, with a trade deficit of VT 2,585 million driven largely by imports from major partners such as China, Australia, and Singapore. Despite this, strong export performance was recorded for key commodities, particularly kava, which accounted for VT 530 million in exports. The report also shows total principal imports reaching VT 588 million, led by petroleum oils, iron and steel, and rice, while opportunities remain for strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on imported food products.
Market Survey
December 2025
Port Vila Central Market recorded strong growth in December 2025, with supply increasing by 23% and prices rising by 2%. Higher volumes of staples and fruits drove market activity, while vegetable supply declined due to seasonal factors. Total market value reached VT1.43 million, with an average of 271 active vendors..
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
DECEMBER QUARTER 2025
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the December quarter of 2025 decreased by 1.9% compared with the previous quarter. The decline was mainly driven by lower prices for food, household supplies, drinks and tobacco, recreation, transportation, and communication..
