TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces substantial challenges for its agricultural exports following President Donald Trump's punitive trade action, the island's top agriculture official cautioned on Tuesday (April 8). Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) warned that the recently announced 32% reciprocal tariff increase threatens to significantly contract Taiwan's agricultural foothold in the American market. The minister detailed how the sweeping tariff hike would affect the entire spectrum of Taiwan's farm exports to the United States, with particularly severe consequences anticipated for the island's specialty products including ornamental flowers, edamame soybeans, premium teas, and various fishery products that have gained popularity among American consumers.
In his assessment of the broader economic implications, Minister Chen emphasized that the steep tariffs would ultimately prove counterproductive for American interests as well. He highlighted the existing trade imbalance in agricultural commerce between the two economies, noting that Taiwan currently exports approximately US$890 million (NT$29.37 billion) worth of agricultural products to the United States each year. By contrast, American farmers and food producers export about US$3.69 billion (NT$121.77 billion) in agricultural goods to Taiwan annually, creating a substantial agricultural trade surplus benefiting the United States that could be jeopardized by escalating trade tensions.
In response to the looming trade challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部), Taiwan's government agency overseeing agricultural policy, has formulated a comprehensive support package valued at approximately NT$18 billion (about US$545.45 million). The multifaceted initiative is designed to provide immediate financial assistance to affected farmers and exporters while simultaneously strengthening the structural foundations and international competitiveness of Taiwan's agricultural sector. During his remarks, Minister Chen also reaffirmed the continuation of Taiwan's established practice of sending procurement delegations to the United States to purchase bulk animal feed on a regular one-to-two-year cycle, suggesting that this year's planned purchasing mission would proceed as scheduled despite the heightened trade tensions.
