South Korea has decided to continue its favorable tariff policy for fruit imports from Taiwan, extending reduced import duties on bananas, pineapples, and mangoes until August 15. This tariff-relief initiative, initially launched earlier this year to help stabilize food prices, significantly lowers the import duties on these fruits from 30% to 5%. Originally set to end in June, the program has now been prolonged to coincide with Taiwan’s peak mango export season.
The extension of this measure is seen as beneficial for Taiwan’s fruit export industry while also satisfying consumer demand within South Korea. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the timing of the extension is strategic, aligning with Taiwan’s mango harvest season. This timing is particularly crucial as it allows Taiwan to capitalize on the market before South Korea’s domestic mango production reaches its full capacity.
To bolster overseas sales of Taiwanese mangoes, the Ministry has committed to enhancing quality through improvement programs and increasing visibility through promotional campaigns. Additionally, the Ministry plans to forge partnerships with international retailers to strengthen the presence of Taiwanese mangoes in global markets.
This year, Taiwan’s mango exports have shown resilience, with South Korea continuing to serve as a significant market for the fruit. The ongoing demand for Taiwanese mangoes in South Korea underscores the importance of maintaining favorable trade conditions between the two regions.