South Korea has decided to prolong its preferential tariff program for fruit imports from Taiwan, continuing to offer reduced import duties on bananas, pineapples, and mangoes until August 15. This extension, initially set to end in June, aligns with Taiwan’s peak mango export season and aims to stabilize food prices by lowering tariffs from 30% to 5% on these selected fruits.
The South Korean government first introduced this tariff-relief measure earlier this year as a strategy to manage consumer costs. By extending the program, South Korea is not only supporting Taiwan’s agricultural export sector but also addressing its own consumer demand ahead of its domestic mango production, which has yet to reach full supply levels.
Officials from Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture expressed that the extension is timely, coinciding with the country’s mango harvest season. They emphasized the importance of this measure in boosting Taiwan’s fruit exports while ensuring that South Korean consumers have access to these tropical fruits until their local produce is abundantly available.
In addition to this tariff program, Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture plans to continue bolstering its mango exports through various initiatives. These include quality improvement schemes, promotional campaigns, and collaborations with international retailers, all aimed at strengthening the presence of Taiwanese mangoes in global markets.
This year, Taiwanese mango exports have maintained robust performance, with South Korea remaining one of the significant destinations. The ongoing support and strategic market efforts are expected to further enhance Taiwan’s position in the international fruit trade.