Rao Qingling Dissatisfied with Lack of French Tariff Talks for Custard Apples; Agriculture Ministry Cites China Exports as Example

Taitung County Magistrate Rao Qingling expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the central government only assisted Pingtung with mango exports to France and failed to negotiate tariffs for pineapple custard apples. She asserted that international market access, tariff negotiations, and quarantine talks are central government responsibilities.

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No one helped Taitung's custard apples negotiate tariffs with France.

The Ministry of Agriculture responded that all Taiwanese mangoes meeting EU quarantine standards can be exported to Europe. They explained that Taiwan gained EU export approval for mangoes in 2025 through formal bilateral consultations, providing scientific data to prove effective pest control.

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International market access, tariff negotiations, and quarantine talks are central government responsibilities.

Regarding pineapple custard apples, the ministry stated they have repeatedly sought scientific and technical dialogue with China through the cross-strait quarantine platform to resume trade but have received no positive response. China unilaterally banned Taiwanese pineapple custard apples in September 2021, citing pests, and later imposed a 29% tariff in 2024 on previously duty-free imports, making them uncompetitive locally.

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Taiwan's mangoes can be exported to Europe if they meet EU quarantine standards.

The ministry emphasized that quarantine is crucial for agricultural exports and that local governments should recognize China as an unstable, high-risk market. They urged guiding industries and farmers toward diversifying markets rather than pursuing negotiations that bypass central authority and international norms.

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We have repeatedly requested scientific and technical dialogue with China through the cross-strait quarantine platform, but have never received a positive response.