The Ministry of Agriculture on Monday unveiled a comprehensive support package to help agricultural producers and exporters weather the impact of impending US tariffs.
The six-point initiative was introduced in response to a decision by US President Donald Trump’s administration on April 2 to impose a 32 percent import tariff on all goods from Taiwan, a measure that was postponed for 90 days one week later.
In its place, the US has enacted a temporary 10 percent tariff on most imports from countries worldwide, including Taiwan, with China one of the few exceptions
Photo: Taipei Times
The measures are designed to stabilize the industry, protect affected producers and enhance Taiwan’s competitiveness in domestic and overseas markets, the ministry said.
To help offset the short-term financial impact of the tariffs, the ministry said it would subsidize loan interest rates by up to 0.75 percent for six months, adding that eligible farmers, agricultural groups and agribusinesses can apply for individual loans of up to NT$20 million (US$615,422).
Eligibility would also extend to producers with a history of exports to the US, as well as those indirectly affected by the tariff adjustments, the ministry said.
In addition to financial support, the government would offer subsidies to strengthen cold chain infrastructure, product processing and quality certification as part of broader efforts to upgrade production capabilities.
Flower growers meeting specific criteria would be eligible for subsidies of up to NT$10 million, while tea and edamame — a kind of immature soybean popular in East Asian cuisine — producers can apply for targeted support for equipment and packaging upgrades.
The ministry also announced support for branding, packaging innovation and market segmentation, including subsidies of up to NT$150,000 per project to help cover international certification costs for flower, edamame and tea products.
Aquaculture operators, including fish farmers raising barramundi and tilapia, would receive expanded support for cold storage and ice-making facilities, with subsidy rates increased by 10 percent compared with previous plans.
Deep-sea and offshore fishers catching mahi-mahi, particularly those participating in the Fishery Improvement Program, would be eligible for cold chain system upgrades of up to NT$3 million per vessel.
To help ensure continued access to global markets, the ministry would also fund overseas marketing campaigns for Taiwan-grown products, including flowers and seedlings, barramundi, tilapia, mahi-mahi and edamame, as well as fully domestically produced tea.
Detailed application guidelines are available on the ministry’s Web site, and a free consultation hotline has been set up to assist with inquiries.
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan’s (陳奕迅) concerts in Kaohsiung this weekend have been postponed after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 this morning, the organizer said today. Chan’s “FEAR and DREAMS” concert which was scheduled to be held in the coming three days at the Kaohsiung Arena would be rescheduled to May 29, 30 and 31, while the three shows scheduled over the next weekend, from May 23 to 25, would be held as usual, Universal Music said in a statement. Ticket holders can apply for a full refund or attend the postponed concerts with the same seating, the organizer said. Refund arrangements would
Former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Monday called for greater cooperation between Taiwan, Lithuania and the EU to counter threats to information security, including attacks on undersea cables and other critical infrastructure. In a speech at Vilnius University in the Lithuanian capital, Tsai highlighted recent incidents in which vital undersea cables — essential for cross-border data transmission — were severed in the Taiwan Strait and the Baltic Sea over the past year. Taiwanese authorities suspect Chinese sabotage in the incidents near Taiwan’s waters, while EU leaders have said Russia is the likely culprit behind similar breaches in the Baltic. “Taiwan and our European
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster and South Korean outfit Hyukoh collectively received the most nominations at this year’s Golden Melody Awards, earning a total of seven nods from the jury on Wednesday. The bands collaborated on their 2024 album AAA, which received nominations for best band, best album producer, best album design and best vocal album recording. “Young Man,” a single from the album, earned nominations for song of the year and best music video, while another track, “Antenna,” also received a best music video nomination. Late Hong Kong-American singer Khalil Fong (方大同) was named the jury award winner for his 2024 album
The US Department of State on Monday reaffirmed that US policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, following US President Donald Trump’s use of the term “unification” while commenting on recent trade talks with China. Speaking at a wide-ranging press conference, Trump described what he viewed as progress in trade negotiations with China held in Geneva, Switzerland, over the weekend. “They’ve agreed to open China — fully open China, and I think it’s going to be fantastic for China. I think it’s going to be fantastic for us,” Trump said. “I think it’s going to be great for unification and peace.” Trump’s use of the
RSS