Taiwan tempted to look at new trade deals to boost Japan exports

“Japan is the second-largest export destination for Taiwan’s food products. We hope to seek more trade collaboration with the nation through this exhibition,”​ TAITRA chairman James Huang said at a press conference for the show, adding the country was represented by 129 firms at the event.

Food and agriculture to Japan topped US$790m last year, second only to the US$1bn of trade with the USA.

Council of Agriculture Minister Lin Tsung-hsien said lowering tariffs and increasing export allowances were under consideration to deepen ties between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu said her city had seen double-digit growth in lychee exports to Japan since joining the show in 2012.  Last year it exported 1.3m tonnes.

Taiwan’s delegation increased by 20% this year, with companies showcasing Taiwanese fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits, tea, candies, cookies, pastries, canned foods, dried fruits, liquor, beverages, fermented foods, frozen foods, fish and meats.

The pavilion also features room-temperature eggs, bacon, hot dogs, braised Dongpo Pork, and processed meat and egg products including salty eggs and century eggs.

Growth opportunities

In a showcase seminar held yesterday (Wednesday), marine and aquaculture advances, from sustainable fishing to seaweeds were highlighted as potential growth opportunities.

Meanwhile 127 Korean companies, the most ever, attended the show, according to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp.

The country’s exports to Japan have fallen after reaching a high of to US$2.39bn in 2012.

However, last year’s figure rose to $1.89bn, up from $1.83bn in 2015,

"We'll endeavor to revive food hallyu in Japan by making use of the 2018 PyeongChang and 2020 Tokyo Olympics,"​ said Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp official Kim Ho-dong.