South Korea has decided to extend its preferential tariff program for Taiwanese fruit imports, maintaining reduced import duties on bananas, pineapples, and mangoes until August 15. This initiative was initially rolled out earlier this year with the objective of stabilizing food prices, reducing import duties on these fruits from 30% to a mere 5%. Originally set to expire at the end of June, the program has now been prolonged to coincide with Taiwan’s peak mango export season.
The extension of the tariff-relief measure is expected to bolster Taiwanese fruit exports while catering to consumer demand in South Korea. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the timing of this extension is strategic, aligning with the country’s mango harvest period and preceding the full supply levels of domestic mango production in South Korea. This ensures that Taiwanese mangoes continue to have a robust presence in the South Korean market.
In addition to the tariff relief, Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture plans to keep supporting the overseas sales of Taiwanese mangoes. This support will come in the form of quality improvement programs, promotional campaigns, and partnerships with retailers in international markets. These efforts are designed to enhance the appeal and competitiveness of Taiwanese mangoes in global markets.
This year, Taiwanese mango exports have maintained strong performance, with South Korea remaining one of the primary destinations for the fruit. The extension of the tariff program is seen as a critical step in ensuring that this trend continues, benefiting both Taiwanese exporters and South Korean consumers.