Sympathetic Japanese business owners are stepping in to help Taiwanese fisheries. This comes after China banned Taiwanese grouper imports on June 13. China was the top destination for Taiwanese exports of the fish.
Leading the way is one of Japan’s largest fish companies, Hayashi Trout Farm, in Fukushima Prefecture. Company president Soichiro Hayashi is leading talks with fisheries and officials in southern Taiwan to import grouper into Japan.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai says grouper is a high-value delicacy that can be adapted to both eastern and western palates. He believes the fish has a large potential market.
Kaohsiung produces 25% of Taiwan’s grouper and is a top global supplier of the fish.