Taiwan Cuts Reliance on China for Agricultural Exports
Taiwan is diversifying its agricultural export markets as President Lai Ching-te says the country's reliance on China continues to decline. The United States and Japan are now Taiwan's top farm export destinations, with Taiwanese fruit also entering high-end European markets.
Reducing Reliance on China
REPORTER:
President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan is reducing its reliance on the Chinese agricultural export market, accusing Beijing of using agriculture policies as political pressure.
I often say, Taiwan’s industries should be Taiwan-based, have a global presence and be marketed worldwide. Agriculture is no exception. Taiwan’s agricultural products need to reduce reliance on a single market while continuing to reach diverse, high-end markets around the world.
Lai was speaking at an event honoring the country's top agricultural experts. He said China's share of Taiwan's farm exports has fallen from 20.5 percent in 2015 to 11.5 percent last year.
The president said the United States and Japan are now Taiwan's two largest export markets. He also highlighted the recent first-ever shipments of Taiwanese fruit to Europe's high-end markets.
