Key facts
- Taiwan's agriculture ministry warned farmers about China's plan to increase atemoya imports.
- The ministry described China's strategy as "raise, trap, kill," creating reliance before imposing restrictions.
- China previously banned Taiwanese pineapples and has imposed fluctuating import policies on atemoyas.
- Taiwan plans to support diversified processing of atemoyas, including frozen products and wines.
- Opposition politicians accused the government of politicizing the issue and potentially harming farmers.
Taiwan's agriculture ministry has cautioned farmers against China's intention to increase imports of atemoyas, a fruit specialty of Taitung county. The ministry characterized Beijing's approach as a "raise, trap, kill" tactic, designed to foster reliance before exposing farmers to market instability. This warning comes after China's previous ban on Taiwanese pineapples in 2021 and fluctuating import policies for atemoyas, including a suspension in 2021, partial resumption in 2023, and new taxes in 2024.