US opens market to Taiwan pineapples

美國開放台灣鳳梨銷往市場

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US announced on Tuesday it will allow Taiwanese pineapples to enter its market, following agreements on broader agricultural trade.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said during a meeting with US Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg that Taiwanese businesses plan to purchase US$10 billion in American agricultural products over the next four years, per ETtoday. He added that the US has become Taiwan’s largest investment destination and top market for agricultural exports.

Lai said that during the Taiwan agricultural mission’s visit to Washington, DC, and several agricultural states in September, representatives from Taiwan and the US signed procurement letters of intent. Taiwanese businesses agreed to purchase American soybeans, wheat, corn, and beef over the next four years.

The president said sourcing high-quality US feed ingredients is expected to improve efficiency in Taiwan’s livestock sector. He added that American agricultural products can enhance Taiwan’s food security, while Taiwan’s high-tech expertise offers opportunities to deepen cooperation in agricultural innovation and resilience.

Citing the recent goodwill mission Taiwan’s agriculture minister took to the US last week, Lindberg said he comes with similar goodwill for the Taiwanese people. He said the Department of Agriculture has “decided to take the next step in allowing Taiwanese producers of pineapple access to the US market.”

Lindberg expressed hope that this announcement could bring happiness and prosperity to Taiwanese families during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The under secretary also expressed optimism for ongoing dialogue and stronger US–Taiwan ties.