Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture has raised alarms over China’s dominant role in the atemoya export market, cautioning that Beijing could use fruit trade as a political lever. The ministry characterized the situation as a “raise, trap, kill” strategy, where growers are first attracted to lucrative sales before access is restricted, threatening their livelihoods.
China previously halted atemoya imports from Taiwan in 2021, citing quarantine issues, then partially resumed shipments in 2023 but limited to select farms and exporters. Imports also faced a 20% tariff, intensifying pressure on Taiwan’s growers, especially those in Taitung County, where around 90% of Taiwan’s atemoya are produced. This area is heavily exposed as China accounted for more than 95% of Taiwan’s atemoya exports, representing significant economic stakes.
To counter Beijing’s influence, Taipei is advocating for diversification beyond fresh fruit shipments. The Ministry of Agriculture encourages expanding processed products such as frozen fruit, purees, and wine, promoting sustainable practices and steadier incomes for farmers. The government is also exploring new markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, to reduce reliance on the Chinese market, which still dominates atemoya sales to China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
The trade tensions over atemoya are part of a broader pattern affecting other Taiwanese fruits, including pineapples and wax apples. The Mainland Affairs Council’s deputy minister underscored the political dimensions of the dispute, warning that officials involved in forums where China pledged fresh purchases could face investigations. This reflects Taiwan’s concerns that these trade frictions extend beyond commercial disagreements into cross-strait political strategy.
Efforts to reestablish normal trade flow have included scientific consultations under the Cross-Strait Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection Cooperation Agreement, but Taiwan remains wary of supply disruptions tied to China’s policies. The situation highlights the risks faced by agricultural sectors dependent on a single dominant market, urging policymakers to diversify sales channels and product offerings to safeguard against geopolitical pressures.