China has announced another ban of Taiwan beer, Kinmen kaoliang sorghum liquor, and more Taiwanese aquatic products. The legislature’s economic and financial affairs committee met to discuss the most recent ban on Monday.
Economic minister Wang Mei-hua (王美花) says the ban is based on incomplete registration information in the Chinese system. She says Taiwan is receiving discriminatory treatment and the World Trade Organization (WTO) also considers China’s registration system unusual. Finance Minister Su Jian-rong (蘇建榮) says because Taiwan and China are both members of the WTO, the parties should negotiate instead of using non-tariff trade barriers.
Su says Taiwan exports about NT$3.7 billion, or over US$120 million, of alcoholic beverages to China per year and NT$1 billion, or nearly US$33 million, is being affected by the recent ban. Wang and Su have held several meetings since January to actively counsel manufacturers on measures to address the situation.
Taiwan invested NT$200 million in the launch of the Taiwan Global Food Initiative in 2022. The project’s goal is to develop approximately NT$1.7 billion in potential business opportunities with various countries next year. Wang says the economic ministry will continue to promote export sales and expand international marketing.