After China recently introduced a ban on Taiwanese pineapples, farmers around the island are waiting nervously to see what the mainland’s next move will be. Custard apple farmers are among those with serious concerns.
Heaps of freshly-picked custard apples lie on the back of a truck. The fruits are a cross between sugar apples and cherimoyas and they’re a major export commodity. But after China banned Taiwanese pineapples and halted a shipment of wax apples, Taiwan’s custard apple farmers worry they could be next.
One farmer says it’s all about demand. He says he’s very worried. Farmers are constantly trying to make sure they have the right supply.
The problem is that most custard apples are exported, and 95% of exports go to China. If that demand collapses, it will mean big losses. On top of that, there’s been a bumper crop of the fruit this year, meaning prices are low. The farmer says that in the past, custard apples could fetch up to around NTD$70 (US$2.50) a kilo. Now, it’s half that.
With fear of an impending ban, custard apple farmers are racing to sell their produce. For Taiwan’s fruit sellers these are worrisome times indeed.