Suddenly, China notified us about the pineapple pests and immediately banned the import of our products. We believe it does not meet international trade standards.
Wang Mei-Hua
Taiwan’s Minister of Economy
According to Reuters, most Taiwanese pineapples are consumed nationally. However, of those exported, 90% were sold in China last year.
“Suddenly, China notified us about pineapple pests and immediately banned imports of our products. We believe it does not meet international trade standards,” Wang told Emily Tan of CNBC on Wednesday.
“But we will do our best to reflect and discuss with China on this issue. In the meantime, we will try to diversify and sell our major products to other markets beyond China,” he said, according to a translation of his comments into Mandarin.
A street vendor selling pineapples on Taipei Street. While China bans the import of pineapples from Taiwan, Taiwan’s leaders urge its people to buy more pineapples to help minimize the impact on farmers.
Ceng Shou Yi | NurPhoto | Getty Images
American and Canadian support
Diplomats from the United States and Canada have also shown their support for Taiwan and its pineapples. The two countries have no formal diplomatic relations with the island, but enjoy close ties.
Canada’s commercial office in Taipei posted a photo on its Facebook account of its staff posing with pineapple and pizza. The message included the hashtag #FreedomPineapples.
Aside from that, the American Institute of Taiwan used the hashtag #pineapplesolidarity and shared images of tropical fruit in offices and shelves. He has also published recipes that use pineapple.
Last week, a bill tabled in the House of Representatives called on the U.S. to resume diplomatic ties with Taiwan, negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA), and support the island’s membership in international organizations.
Wang, Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, said Washington and Taipei have “long-standing” relations both economically and strategically. They also have strong cooperation in the semiconductor industry, he said.
“If, in the future, we could have a FTA, we would definitely welcome it and pursue it because it would further strengthen our economic ties,” he added.