Micronesia: 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 Micronesia.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

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

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

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On the sanctions lists

No entry on the 7 lists Sanctioni screens names Micronesia.

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming Micronesia recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

Micronesia: logistics and trade

Remote island federation / Fisheries exporter

Micronesia (ISO Code: FM) is located in the western Pacific and consists of four states spread across more than 600 islands. Politically, the state is a federation of island states with a presidential system of government and close cooperation with the USA under the Compact of Free Association. The climate is tropical-maritime with high temperatures, high humidity, and a pronounced rainy season, occasionally influenced by tropical storms. The economy is dominated by the public sector, complemented by fishing, agriculture, and limited tourism. Foreign trade heavily relies on fish products and aid financing, while imports of food, fuel, consumer goods, and machinery highlight dependence on international supply chains. Logistically, the ports in Pohnpei and Chuuk play a central role in maritime freight traffic. Due to its isolated location, the transit function for regional trade is low, mainly limited to transport between islands and neighboring states. Micronesia has limited road infrastructure that supports domestic transport. The national currency is the US dollar (USD), which facilitates economic integration with international markets.

Capital: Palikir
Population: 113,160
Area: 702 km²
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Continent: Oceania
Region: Pacific / Oceania
Economic area: Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) / Compact of Free Association with the USA
Religions: Christianity
Access to the sea: Yes

Transport modes Sea · Air

Current situation: Supply via liner services of Matson and Kyowa Shipping from Guam and Asia. Compact funds (USD 3,3 billion until 2043) support infrastructure. Status 2026.
Seasonal conditions: Tropical maritime climate with typhoon and storm risk (mainly in the second half of the year) and heavy rainfall. High humidity burdens temperature-sensitive goods.

Main cargo airports

Pohnpei International AirportPNI
Pohnpei International (PNI/PTPN): Micronesia's largest airport, supplied by United's Island Hopper. Larger cargo routes via Guam (GUM).
Chuuk International AirportTKK
Chuuk International Airport (TKK/PTKK), Weno Island: 1,833 m runway, United Island Hopper only, belly cargo only. Micronesia freight consolidated via Guam (GUM).
Kosrae International AirportKSA
Kosrae International Airport (KSA), Okat: easternmost Micronesia Island Hopper stop, belly cargo only, freight routed via Guam (GUM).
Yap International AirportYAP
Yap International Airport (YAP): United link from Guam, off the main Island Hopper loop, belly cargo only, air freight via Guam (GUM).

Main trade lanes

USA/Guam - FSM
Japan - FSM
China - FSM
South Korea - FSM
Australia - FSM

Customs and import

Customs authority Customs & Tax Administration (CTA), Department of Finance and AdministrationOfficial website ↗

Import customs system: Electronic processing via ASYCUDAWorld. Import duties on CIF basis under Customs Act 1996 (Title 54): standard rate 4 percent ad valorem, food 3 percent, higher rates for tobacco, alcohol and sweetened beverages.
Export customs system: Low export bureaucracy, dominated by fish products. Processing via the CTA with ASYCUDAWorld; no general export duties provided.
Import VAT: No VAT/GST. Instead, the state levies import duties (standard rate 4 percent ad valorem on the CIF value, food 3 percent).
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: No free trade agreement with Switzerland, the EU or EFTA; in bilateral trade in goods, no preferential origin proofs are applicable.
Restricted and prohibited goods: Import controls, including for weapons, ammunition, drugs and cannabis, and quarantine for plants, animals and certain foods. Commercial imports and exports require a licence.

Typical import documents

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading (B/L) / Air waybill (AWB)
Customs declaration (SAD/ESAD)
Import licence (commercial)

Typical export documents

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading / Air waybill
Customs export declaration
if applicable, fisheries or health certificate

Logistics conditions

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

Trade

Top import partners

United States Japan China South Korea Australia

Top export partners

Japan China South Korea United States Thailand

Top import goods

Food
Petroleum products
Consumer goods
Building materials
Vehicles

Top export goods

Fish
Services

Typical cargo

Food
Petroleum products / fuel
Consumer goods
Building materials
Vehicles
Fish (export)

Logistics questions

Which customs system does Micronesia use?

Micronesia processes customs declarations electronically via ASYCUDAWorld. The responsible authority is the Customs & Tax Administration (CTA) within the Department of Finance and Administration. Imports are assessed on a CIF basis.

Is there a VAT on imports?

No. Micronesia has no VAT or GST. Instead, the state levies import duties, with a standard rate of 4 percent ad valorem on the CIF value and 3 percent on food.

What are the import duty rates?

Under the Customs Act 1996 (Title 54), 4 percent is the standard rate and 3 percent applies to food. Higher rates apply to, among others, tobacco (50 percent), cigarettes, alcohol and sweetened beverages (25 percent).

Which ports and airports handle trade?

Sea freight runs through the ports of Pohnpei (Dekehtik), Chuuk (Weno), Kosrae (Okat) and Yap (Colonia). For air freight, the international airports Pohnpei (PNI), Chuuk (TKK), Kosrae (KSA) and Yap (YAP) are used.

Which shipping companies serve Micronesia?

The islands are supplied via liner services of Matson and Kyowa Shipping from Guam and Asia. Only a few ships call at the ports each month, which lengthens transit times.

What seasonal risks exist?

The tropical maritime climate brings typhoons and storms, mainly in the second half of the year, as well as heavy rainfall. High humidity burdens temperature-sensitive goods.

Are preferential origin proofs required for trade with Switzerland?

No. There is no free trade agreement between Micronesia and Switzerland, the EU or EFTA. Therefore, no preferential origin proofs are applicable in bilateral trade in goods.

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗