US proposes quarantine rules to allow Taiwan pineapple exports

美國提議制定檢疫規定，允許台灣鳳梨出口

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s agriculture ministry said Wednesday the US has proposed quarantine rules that could allow Taiwanese pineapples to enter the US market for the first time.

CNA reported that the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published draft quarantine conditions for fresh Taiwanese pineapples in the Federal Register on Monday. The proposal will undergo a 62-day public comment period before the rules can be finalized.

Once US authorities review the feedback and formally announce the regulation, Taiwanese pineapples could begin entering the US market this year. “The move would help expand export opportunities for Taiwan’s premium fruit in a high-consumption market,” officials said.

“The US maintains strict plant quarantine reviews for imported fresh fruit and requires full risk assessments based on scientific evidence,” the ministry said. Taiwan first applied to export pineapples to the US in 2020.

Authorities later submitted pest lists, climate data, cultivation practices, post-harvest handling procedures, and export records. Officials said the information supported the US review process, Yahoo News reported.

Officials said US authorities identified the oriental fruit fly and a moth species as pests of concern. However, pineapple varieties with more than 50% Smooth Cayenne lineage, including Golden Diamond and Mango pineapples, are not considered hosts for the fruit fly.

As a result, the fruit will not require irradiation, vapor heat treatment, or crown removal before export, according to the ministry. Export shipments will only need inspection by Taiwan’s plant quarantine agency and a phytosanitary certificate confirming the fruit is free of regulated pests.

The phytosanitary certificate will allow the fruit to enter the US under the proposed conditions, the ministry said. Authorities added that Taiwan will ensure export procedures meet US quarantine and food safety requirements.

The ministry described pineapples as “one of Taiwan’s flagship export fruits.” Officials said the fruit is known for its fine texture, edible core, and strong aroma when ripe, per Ettoday.

Taiwan grows several pineapple varieties, including Tainong No. 17 (Golden Diamond) and Tainong No. 23 (Mango pineapple), according to official data. Farmers can supply fruit year-round through staggered production across different regions.

Taiwan currently exports pineapples to more than 10 markets including Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the ministry said. Statistics show Taiwan exported 16,892 tonnes of pineapples worth NT$750 million (US$23.6 million) in 2025.

Officials said opening the US market would further expand Taiwan’s overseas sales network. The ministry added it will continue guiding growers and exporters on orchard traceability, pest control, and safe pesticide use, Commercial Times reported.

Authorities also plan to strengthen sorting, cleaning, and pest removal at packing facilities to ensure export quality, according to the ministry. Officials said Taiwan is also developing post-harvest cold chain systems, including refrigerated storage and transport.

These improvements aim to maintain fruit quality during shipping and improve the competitiveness of Taiwanese pineapples in the US and other markets. The ministry added it will also support marketing campaigns and export incentives to help producers enter the US market.