Rising international freight costs are beginning to place pressure on businesses in Fiji’s fishing industry, with importers warning that higher shipping expenses could eventually affect the affordability of essential fishing gear for local fishermen.

For over 15 years, Sea Master owner Kevin Kwon has been supplying fishing equipment to customers in Fiji, after identifying a gap in the local market for affordable and accessible fishing gear.

Based in Walu Bay, Suva, Kwon says his business model focuses not only on profit, but also on helping customers save money by importing products directly from Korea.

“I start importing from Korea. I think this can help Fijian people by saving money, and be used for other reasons,” he said.

“I’m doing business and making money, but my ways are different than other people.”

Kwon says his background in the fishing industry began through his father, who worked as a captain on a tuna boat, eventually inspiring him to venture into the business himself.

“My father was a captain of a tuna boat, and we did business from this for commercial purposes,” he said.

“When I moved to Fiji, I saw plenty of people in the fishing industry, and there’s a lack of fishing gears here, so I wanted to get that for them and make them affordable.”

However, global shipping challenges are now creating fresh concerns for businesses reliant on imported goods.

Kwon revealed that shipping freight costs have increased significantly in recent months, placing added pressure on businesses already trying to keep prices low for customers.

“Ship freight is very high now, compared to two months ago, like 50 percent up,” he said.

Despite the increase, Kwon says he remains committed to putting customers first, even as operating costs continue to rise.

“I hope companies will choose the people than the products here, because I know it’s not easy, but it’s always about my customers, and that’s what sets me apart,” he added.

Sea Master has also expanded its operations to Nadi, where Kwon has already opened a new shop, at All Supermarket Nadi, opposite Andrews Primary School.