French Polynesia exports more than 90 per cent of its pearl production, making it the world’s largest
exporter of Tahitian black pearls. Tahitian black pearl exports are therefore crucial for the Tahitian
economy as they accounted for an average of 50 per cent of total export earnings, for the latest data
available, for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006. This means that export performance not only plays a major
role in determining the profitability of the Tahitian pearl industry, but also in the growth and development
process of the local economy. For this reason, knowing the determinants of the external demand for pearl
exports remains crucial for all industry players and policymakers.