Taiwan’s pineapple exports are up 12% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year. That’s despite China’s decision to ban Taiwanese pineapple imports in March last year. Before the ban, China was the biggest importer of Taiwanese pineapples.
Tainan City sent a 13-ton shipment of the fruit to Japan on Wednesday. In the first three months of this year, Taiwan has exported 9,805 tons of its pineapples which is a 12% increase year-on-year.
Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che said the outlook for Taiwan’s pineapples this year is good. Though the pineapple harvest is less than last year, the quality of the fruit is better, which should lead to better overall sales.
Last year, Taiwan exported 28,000 tons of pineapples. Exports to countries other than China grew 533%. Japan accounted for 18,000 tons, which is a 726% increase.
Taiwan’s agriculture council said its goal is to export 30,000 tons of pineapples this year. Since the country has already exported nearly one-third of its target in the first quarter, it is surpassing its goals. The council says this trend shows that Taiwan no longer needs to rely on the Chinese market.