DistantNews
🇹🇼 Taiwan /Economy & Trade

Minister Refutes Claims of 'Destroying Agriculture' Amid US Peanut Tariff Talks

From Liberty Times · (13m ago) Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Taiwan's Minister of Agriculture, Chen Chun-chi, refuted claims that zero tariffs on US peanuts would harm local farmers.
  • He stated that key Taiwanese agricultural products like rice, garlic, and chicken were protected in trade negotiations with the US.
  • Chen emphasized that Taiwanese peanuts are favored for their aroma and freshness, and the ministry will support farmers.

The Ministry of Agriculture stands firm in its commitment to protecting Taiwan's vital agricultural sector. Recent discussions surrounding the zero-tariff import of US peanuts have been met with concern, with some mischaracterizing the situation as an attempt to 'destroy agriculture.' Minister Chen Chun-chi has unequivocally stated that Taiwan's agriculture is resilient and will not be defeated, neither now nor in the future.

Taiwanese agriculture is not being defeated now, and it absolutely will not be in the future.

— Chen Chun-chiResponding to concerns about the impact of US peanut imports.

It is crucial to understand the nuances of the recent trade negotiations with the United States. While concerns about peanut imports are valid, it's important to note that other significant agricultural products from Yunlin County, such as rice, garlic, and chicken, were successfully safeguarded. The Ministry has worked diligently to ensure that these core products remain competitive and protected.

This negotiation with the United States did not abandon many of Yunlin's important agricultural products like rice, garlic, and chicken. This negotiation has protected Yunlin's agricultural crops.

— Chen Chun-chiHighlighting the protective measures in the trade deal.

The assertion that zero tariffs on US peanuts will lead to the downfall of Taiwan's peanut industry is unfounded. Currently, imported US peanuts are more expensive than their Taiwanese counterparts. Taiwan's peanuts maintain a dominant 75% market share due to their superior aroma and freshness, qualities highly valued by consumers. The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to standing alongside our farmers, fostering industry growth, and will be holding informational sessions to address concerns and outline support measures. Taiwan's agriculture is strong, and we will ensure it continues to thrive.

The Ministry of Agriculture will stand with the farmers and drive the industry forward.

— Chen Chun-chiReassuring farmers of the ministry's support.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog