Taiwan Fisheries Agency acts to limit the impact of US tariffs

台灣漁業署採取行動限制美國關稅的影響

Government pledges 5 new measures to assist fishers facing the uncertainty of Trump’s tariffs


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Fisheries Agency Director-General Wang Mao-cheng (王茂城) appeared in Taitung on Saturday to announce five support measures for local fishers facing new pressures under US President Donald Trump’s 32% tariff.

Wang pledged subsidized interest rates for loans, improvements to cold-chain logistics for exports, assistance for boat owners, and efforts to expand foreign markets. However, fishers called for the creation of a stabilization fund and guaranteed pricing, per CNA.

According to Wang, Taiwan has begun trade negotiations with the US, but the initial focus will likely be on the semiconductor and machinery sectors, with agriculture and fisheries placed on the back burner. This delay has left many in the fishing industry worried about losses linked to their annual catch.

Tsai Fu-jung (蔡富榮), general manager of Taitung County’s Chenggong District Fishermen’s Association, proposed establishing a swordfish stabilization fund. He said the fund could provide a guaranteed price when market rates drop or help compensate for losses.

"It's hard to predict prices. And what will happen in 90 days (when Trump’s tariffs go into effect)? I'm scared! How do small fishermen deal with this?" said a fishing boat captain surnamed Su (蘇). He explained that costs for bait, fuel, and migrant labor have all risen, with each fishing trip now costing between NT$20,000 (US$620) and NT$30,000.

The Fisheries Agency has allocated NT$623.4 million to support the industry and said it will continue making adjustments and interventions based on market conditions.

The agency also said the government is preparing additional response measures. For farmers and fishers with questions, the Ministry of Agriculture added 20 dedicated telephone lines on April 8.

According to the agency’s data, Taiwan exported an average of 1,887 metric tonnes of swordfish annually over the past three years. Of that, 1,324 metric tonnes—more than 70%—were shipped to the US.