Local government agencies are expressing concern that trade negotiations with the United States will impact Taiwan’s agricultural and livestock industries. Various ministries and commissions spoke regarding zero tariffs, imported U.S. meats, consumer safety, and farmers’ rights during a legislative meeting this Thursday.
The U.S. has raised the issue of non-tariff trade barriers between the countries. In addition, they are concerned about the trade deficit, which includes banned beef products such as ground beef, inspection procedures that the administration claims are not science-based, and country-of-origin pork labeling requirements. According to the administration, these requirements inaccurately imply that there is a food safety concern with U.S. pork products.
Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) says import procedures will continue to adhere to the four principles of food safety first, scientific analysis, international standards, and market inspections to ensure consumer safety. Chiu additionally points out that the relevant regulations are in place for both imported and domestic products.
Taiwan’s domestic market positioning is clear, including the preference for domestic beef and pork, according to Agriculture Ministry Deputy Minister Tu Wen-jane (杜文珍). Tu also points out that American pork imports account for less than 1% of the overall pork market, and the imported U.S. pork and beef still mainly go to the catering industry.
While the U.S. continues to urge Taiwan to open its market fully to its products and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) offers zero tariffs as a basis point for talks, Tu notes that the effects of the trade negotiations are still yet to be determined.