The 8th round of talks between Taiwan and the U.S. under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) starts in Washington, D.C. on Friday.
The economics ministry said that during this round of trade talks, Taiwan will raise issues related to its bid for a role in the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade bloc. The agenda also includes the export of guavas, orchids in potting soil, and heat-processed meat products to the US.
The ministry said the U.S. is likely to press Taiwan to open its doors to U.S. pork containing the leanness-enhancing drug ractopamine. But Taiwan will convey its concerns over food safety.
The Council of Agriculture said Taiwan will insist on barring imports of US pork containing ractopamine. The council said Taiwan will not allow the imports to be exchanged for U.S. support for Taiwan's TPP bid.