Taiwan's Agricultural Exports Surge, Driven by Food Safety and Quarantine Management

Strategic Insights -

Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture reported a significant growth in the country's agricultural exports, with a 30% increase in chilled fruit and a sixfold rise in fresh pork exports last year. The total value of agricultural exports reached NT$157.44 billion (US$4.92 billion), with 1.9 million tonnes of products being shipped out. The growth can be attributed to Taiwan's strong food safety and quarantine management reputation, which has resulted in the country's exports being recognized by international markets. This has led to an increase in exports to countries such as Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore, with specific products like pineapples, lychees, and dragon fruit gaining popularity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Taiwan's agricultural exports grew by 30% in chilled fruit and sixfold in fresh pork exports last year.
  • The total value of agricultural exports reached NT$157.44 billion (US$4.92 billion) with 1.9 million tonnes of products being shipped out.
  • Pineapples were approved for import into New Zealand with zero tariffs in April 2022, with exports reaching a record 19,300 tonnes last year.
  • Taiwan lychees were exported to New Zealand for the first time in 2022, while mango exports have grown annually since entering the New Zealand market in 2021.
  • The government plans to expand guava exports to New Zealand.
  • Taiwan dragon fruit was exported to Japan for the first time in July 2022, and grouper followed in February of the same year.
  • Taiwanese pork returned to the Singaporean market after a 15-year hiatus in April 2023.
  • The growth in Taiwan's agricultural exports is mainly due to high international recognition of its food safety and quarantine management.
  • Taiwan is expected to be granted free status for classical swine fever in May, making it the first Asian country to be free of three major swine diseases.
  • The Ministry of Agriculture held 14 forums in April to address the impact of US tariff policies on Taiwan's agriculture.

Statistics:

  • NT$157.44 billion (US$4.92 billion) - the total value of agricultural exports last year
  • 1.9 million tonnes - the total quantity of agricultural products exported last year
  • 30% - the growth rate of chilled fruit exports
  • 6 times - the growth rate of fresh pork exports
  • 19,300 tonnes - the record amount of pineapples exported to Japan last year
  • NT$18 billion - the amount of investment planned by the Ministry of Agriculture to boost the visibility of Taiwan's agricultural products

Sources:

  • CNA
  • Ministry of Agriculture