American Samoa: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 0 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to American Samoa.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓

No elevated country indicator for American Samoa in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in American Samoa may still be on a list.

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On the sanctions lists

No entry on the 7 lists Sanctioni screens names American Samoa.

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming American Samoa recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

American Samoa: logistics and trade

Pacific island territory / tuna export hub

American Samoa (ISO Code: AS) is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific, east of Samoa. Politically, it operates under local self-governance but remains under U.S. sovereignty. The climate is tropical maritime, characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and seasonal rainfall. The economy is primarily based on fishing, agriculture, and government administration, supplemented by services and limited tourism. Foreign trade focuses on the export of fish products, particularly tuna, while the territory is heavily reliant on imports such as food, fuel, and consumer goods. American Samoa serves a strategic transit function in the Pacific region, especially for maritime and air transport. The national currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), which supports trade and financial stability. Ports such as Pago Pago are central hubs for goods movement and enhance the territory's logistical connections. Despite limited infrastructure, continuous investments are made in transportation and port facilities to increase economic integration and export capacity.

Capital: Pago Pago
Population: 49,710
Area: 199 km²
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Continent: Oceania
Region: Pacific / Oceania
Economic area: US outlying area (outside US customs territory)
Religions: Christianity, Misc.
Access to the sea: Yes

Transport modes Sea · Air

Current situation: New port administration building in Pago Pago in planning/construction (old building demolished in 2022). Status: June 2026.
Seasonal conditions: Tropical maritime; cyclone and rainy season roughly November to April, with risk of storm and flood disruptions for sea and air transport.

Main cargo airports

Pago Pago International AirportPPG
Pago Pago International (PPG): weekly freighter from Honolulu, Hawaiian Airlines belly cargo, tuna-driven perishables. Intercontinental volumes via HNL.

Road corridors

Tutuila Coastal Road (Pago Pago - Tafuna / Airport)

Main trade lanes

American Samoa - USA (mainland / Hawaii)
American Samoa - New Zealand
American Samoa - Samoa
American Samoa - South Korea

Customs and import

Customs authority American Samoa Department of Treasury – Customs DivisionOfficial website ↗

Import customs system: Import clearance is handled by the Customs Division of the Department of Treasury. American Samoa is outside the US customs territory; an import excise tax is levied on the CIF value, with rates depending on the article.
Export customs system: Export clearance is handled through the Customs Division. Goods from American Samoa entering the US main customs zone are generally subject to HTSUS Column 1 duties (19 CFR Part 7), with exceptions for qualifying products.
Import VAT: No general VAT/sales tax. Instead, an import excise tax on a CIF basis; higher rates apply to vehicles, alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks, among others.
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: No separate free trade agreement. Products may enter the US main zone duty-free under the Insular Possession rules (19 CFR 7.3), provided value-added and processing requirements are met.
Restricted and prohibited goods: Import controls apply to, among others, weapons, ammunition, narcotics, and agricultural and biosecurity goods (quarantine). US prohibitions and restrictions also apply.

Typical import documents

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Import declaration (Customs Entry)

Typical export documents

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
US export documents (EEI/AES) if applicable

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity: Medium
Customs delays: Medium
Port congestion: Low
Dangerous goods relevance: Medium
Pharma and cold chain relevance: Low
E-commerce relevance: Low to medium

Trade

Top import partners

United States China Australia

Top export partners

United States Japan Australia New Zealand South Korea

Top import goods

Food
Machinery
Petroleum products
Consumer goods
Building materials

Top export goods

Fish and meat
Agricultural products

Typical cargo

Tuna / canned fish (export)
Food
Petroleum products / fuel
Consumer goods
Building materials

Logistics questions

Does American Samoa belong to the US customs territory?

No. American Samoa is a US outlying area, but lies outside the US customs territory. Goods that enter the US main zone from there are generally subject to HTSUS Column 1 duties (19 CFR Part 7), although qualifying products may be duty-free under the Insular Possession rules.

Is there a value added tax (VAT) on imports?

No, there is no general VAT or sales tax. Instead, the Customs Division levies an import excise tax on the CIF value. Higher rates apply to vehicles, alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks, among others.

Which authority is responsible for customs clearance?

The Customs Division of the American Samoa Department of Treasury is responsible. It handles imports and exports, levies the excise tax, and monitors the entry of goods at points of entry and exit.

Through which ports and airports does freight traffic run?

The main transshipment point is the Port of Pago Pago on Tutuila island, operated by the Department of Port Administration. Air cargo runs through Pago Pago International Airport (PPG/NSTU). Both are operated by the Port Administration of the ASG.

Which documents are required for import?

Typically required are the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (Bill of Lading or Air Waybill) and an import declaration (Customs Entry) submitted to the Customs Division. Depending on the goods, additional permits may be required.

What are the most important export and import goods?

The most important export good is fish products, above all canned tuna from the local canning industry. Imports consist mainly of food, fuel and petroleum products, consumer goods and building materials.

Which logistics risks should be considered?

The peripheral island location results in long sea routes and limited departure frequencies with few liner services. In addition, during the cyclone and rainy season (roughly November to April) there is a risk of storm and flood disruptions for sea and air transport.

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗