Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the Papua New Guinea Customs Service for recording an impressive 42 percent increase in Revenue Collections compared with the corresponding period last year, describing the performance as a strong indication of sustained economic activity and growing Trade across the country’s borders.
Prime Minister Marape announced the Results today during the Budget Management Committee (BMC) Meeting he chaired at Melanesian Haus in Waigani, attended by Minister for Finance Hon. Thomas Opa, PNG Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe, Senior Officials from Treasury and Finance, and other Government representatives. The Prime Minister revealed that Customs collected K1.48 billion during the latest reporting quarter, representing a significant increase over the corresponding period in 2025.
The Agency’s overall Revenue Performance is also tracking at approximately 80 percent of its revised Annual Projection of K4.9 billion under the 2026 Supplementary Budget. “Customs has recorded impressive growth, collecting 42 percent more than the equivalent period last year,” Prime Minister Marape said. “In this quarter alone, Customs collected K1.48 billion. Against the Supplementary Budget projection of K4.9 billion, Customs is performing very well. I want to commend Customs for this outstanding performance and the commitment of its officers in collecting Revenue for our country.”
Strong Trade Volumes reflect Economic Activity
Prime Minister Marape said Customs’ Revenue Performance provided an important indication of economic activity, particularly through international trade, imports and exports. He revealed that Customs registered 32,581 trade entries during the reporting period, involving goods with a combined declared value exceeding K30.31 billion. These figures demonstrate the significant Volume of Commercial Activity passing through Papua New Guinea’s international borders.
“Customs collects Revenue from our wharves and airports, and increasing Customs Collections indicate the level of actual Trade and the Volume of Goods moving through our economy,” he said. “In this reporting period, Customs registered 32,581 trade entries, with goods valued at more than K30.31 billion passing through our borders. This is a measure of economic activity in our country and demonstrates that trade continues despite the difficult international economic environment.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Results were particularly encouraging given ongoing global uncertainties, including geopolitical conflicts, fluctuations in international commodity prices and elevated fuel costs. “Despite the challenges posed by international conflicts, global price volatility and high fuel prices, our economic transactions are continuing,” he said. “This is an indication that our economy is not standing still. Trade activity remains strong, and we expect further growth as economic opportunities expand.”
Customs continues Strong Revenue Growth
Prime Minister Marape said the latest performance continued a positive trend established by Customs over several years. In 2020, Customs collected approximately K2.81 billion, increasing to around K3.9 billion in 2023. By December 2024, Collections had reached approximately K3.93 billion. In 2025, Customs collected K4.31 billion as of 19 December, exceeding its revised Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook revenue target of K4.23 billion by K82.35 million. That performance represented approximately 7 percent growth compared with the corresponding period in 2024. The increase from K2.81 billion in 2020 to K4.31 billion in December 2025 represented growth of more than 53 percent.
Prime Minister Marape said the sustained improvements reflected stronger Revenue administration, compliance enforcement, institutional reforms and Government investment in modernising Customs operations. He acknowledged Chief Commissioner David Towe and Customs Officers throughout the country for their continued dedication. “These Results demonstrate what our National Institutions can achieve when there is strong leadership, improved systems and commitment to delivering results,” he said.
Government to strengthen Customs Systems and Border Operations
Prime Minister Marape said the Government would continue supporting Customs through improvements in information and communications technology, modern border management systems and enhanced cargo inspection capabilities. He said these investments were necessary to strengthen compliance, minimise revenue leakage and facilitate legitimate trade. “We are working with Customs and IRC to ensure their systems, ICT capabilities and container examination facilities receive the support they require,” he said. The Prime Minister said improvements in border administration would strengthen the Government’s capacity to collect Revenue while supporting businesses engaged in international trade. He stressed that Customs was not merely a Revenue Collection Agency but also an important institution supporting national economic development, trade facilitation and border protection.
Revenue Performance supports 2027 Budget Preparations
Prime Minister Marape said the encouraging Customs Results would contribute to the Government’s preparations for the 2027 National Budget, scheduled for presentation to Parliament in November. He said the Marape-Rosso Government remained focused on its long-term Budget Repair Strategy, aimed at progressively reducing Fiscal Deficits and restoring balance to national finances. The Prime Minister stressed that stronger Revenue Collections must be accompanied by responsible Expenditure Management across Government. He said the BMC would continue meeting regularly to monitor revenue performance, recurrent expenditure, the Public Investment Programme and the implementation of approved development priorities. The Government’s immediate focus remained on financing essential public services, supporting infrastructure development, maintaining economic stability and strengthening national revenue generation. “Every additional Kina collected through improved compliance strengthens our ability to support our people and finance national development,” Prime Minister Marape said. “I have asked Customs and IRC to continue improving efficiency and, wherever possible, maximise Collections as we complete the 2026 financial year. I commend Chief Commissioner David Towe, his Management Team and all Customs Officers for their commitment and performance. Our Government will continue supporting these Institutions because strong Revenue Collection is fundamental to building a stronger, more resilient and financially sustainable Papua New Guinea.”