Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung (陳吉仲) has warned Taiwanese farmers to be cautious as China mulls lifting import bans on Taiwan’s agriculture and fish products.
Since March 2021, China has suspended imports of Taiwanese products such as pineapples, custard apples, waxed apples, citrus fruits, grouper, and other fish. Beijing’s moves went against international trade regulations.
Chen reminds farmers that Taiwan has reduced its reliance on a single market and is shifting to other emerging markets. He noted as an example that the price of Pingtung pineapples actually rose despite China’s ban two years ago. Chen says that’s because more than 17,000 metric tons of pineapples were sold to Japan during the critical time.
The minister says even if China lifts certain import bans, Taiwan’s agricultural sustainability will benefit from switching to multiple high-end markets instead of relying on a single market.