Taiwan's Agriculture Sector Fortifies Against U.S. Tariffs

Government Unveils Comprehensive Support Package to Bolster Farmers and Exporters

Taipei, April 22 - The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in Taiwan has launched a robust support package designed to mitigate the impact of impending U.S. tariffs on the island's agricultural sector.

This six-measure initiative, announced on Monday, responds to the U.S. government's initial decision on April 2 (U.S. time) to impose a 32 percent import duty on all imports from Taiwan. Although this was later postponed for 90 days, a temporary 10 percent tariff on most imports from various countries, including Taiwan (with China as a notable exception), has been implemented.

According to a statement published on the MOA's website, the measures aim to stabilize the agricultural industry, protect affected producers, and enhance Taiwan's competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

To alleviate the immediate financial strain caused by the tariffs, the ministry will subsidize loan interest rates by up to 0.75 percent for a period of six months. Individual loans will be capped at NT$20 million for eligible farmers, agricultural groups, and agribusinesses. Eligibility will be extended to producers with export histories to the United States or those indirectly impacted by tariff adjustments.

Beyond financial assistance, the government will provide subsidies for critical upgrades, including cold chain infrastructure, product processing, and quality certification, all geared towards boosting production capabilities.

Flower growers, for example, will be eligible for subsidies of up to NT$10 million, subject to specific conditions. Producers of tea or edamame, a popular East Asian culinary staple, will receive targeted support for both equipment and packaging improvements.

The MOA also announced support for branding, innovative packaging, and market segmentation. This includes a subsidy of up to NT$150,000 per project to cover international certification costs for flower, edamame, and tea products.

Aquaculture operators, including fish farmers producing barramundi and tilapia, will benefit from enhanced support for cold storage and ice-making facilities, with subsidy rates increased by 10 percent compared to previous plans.

Support will also encompass deep-sea and offshore fishers, particularly those participating in the Fishery Improvement Program (FIP), who will be eligible for upgrades to their cold chain systems, with assistance of up to NT$3 million per vessel.

To ensure continued access to global markets, the MOA will fund overseas marketing campaigns specifically for Taiwan-grown flowers and seedlings, barramundi, tilapia, mahi-mahi, edamame, and 100 percent domestically produced tea.

The MOA has made detailed application guidelines available on its official website and has established a free consultation hotline to answer inquiries.