The first batch of Taiwan’s delicious guavas just arrived in Los Angeles. The 13-ton shipment is the very first export of the Taiwan fruit to the US. Taiwan is the first Asian country to export guavas to the US. The only other country that exports guavas there is Mexico.
The guavas arrived just before the Lunar New Year and have been gifted to US commerce officials and congresspersons. US commerce officials and congresspersons were on hand to participate in the welcome ceremony.
US Congresswoman Judy Chu said that one of her best memories of Taiwan is its fruit and it is hard to believe the US waited so long to import Taiwan’s guavas. She said Taiwan is America’s 11th largest trading partner and the US is Taiwan’s biggest source of foreign investment. Despite the US-China trade war, Taiwan saw exports to the US grow 18% in the first three quarters of 2019.
US commerce official Andrew Edlefsen said that Taiwan’s delicious food is known throughout the world, especially its fruit. He said when he lived in Taiwan, he ate guavas nearly every day. He also said bilateral trade is robust and has been growing. The US and Taiwan saw US$95 billion worth of trade in goods and services in 2018.
The first batch of guavas has been bought completely by stores on the west coast and are being sold at around US$4.99 a pound. The east coast will have to wait until the next shipment before they can get a taste of the nutritious fruit.
Guavas are the fifth type of fruit Taiwan has exported to the US following lychees, starfruit, longan and mangoes.