China's import of custard apples is sparking fears in Taiwan
Summary
Taiwan is concerned about China's plan to increase imports of the atemoya fruit, a specialty of Taiwan's Taitung county. Taiwan's government warns that China's actions may create dependence on exports and then harm Taiwanese farmers through sudden trade restrictions and taxes.Key Facts
- Atemoya is a hybrid custard apple fruit mainly grown in Taiwan's Taitung county.
- China is a major importer of Taiwanese atemoyas and recently pledged to buy more.
- Taiwan's agriculture ministry says China uses a "raise, trap, kill" method—encouraging growth then imposing trade barriers.
- China previously banned Taiwanese pineapples in 2021, causing economic harm to farmers.
- China suspended atemoya imports in 2021 over pest concerns, resumed partially in 2023, then added taxes in 2024.
- China is increasing its own atemoya farming, which may threaten Taiwan's fruit industry.
- Some Taiwanese officials attended a forum in China supporting fruit exports, which Taiwan's government officially banned.
- Taiwan aims to support farmers by promoting diverse uses of atemoyas like frozen products, puree, and wines.
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