South Korea has decided to prolong its preferential tariff program on fruit imports from Taiwan, significantly reducing import duties on bananas, pineapples, and mangoes through August 15. This initiative, initially rolled out to help stabilize food prices, cuts the import duty from 30% to a mere 5% on these selected fruits. Originally intended to conclude at the end of June, the program has been extended to coincide with Taiwan’s peak mango export season.
The extension of this tariff relief is seen as a boost for Taiwan’s fruit exports while addressing consumer demand in South Korea. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the timing of this extension is strategic, aligning with the Taiwanese mango harvest season and preceding the full supply levels of South Korea’s domestic mango production.
The ministry also emphasized its commitment to supporting overseas sales of Taiwanese mangoes. Efforts include quality improvement programs, promotional campaigns, and collaborations with international market retailers to enhance the presence of Taiwanese mangoes globally.
This year has witnessed robust Taiwanese mango exports, with South Korea remaining a vital market for these fruits. The continuation of reduced tariffs is expected to further strengthen Taiwan’s export performance in the region, offering a competitive edge in the South Korean market.