China suddenly notified us of the pineapple pests and immediately banned the import of our products. We believe that it does not comply with international trade rules.
Wang Mei-Hua
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs
According to Reuters, most of Taiwan’s pineapples are consumed domestically. Of the exported countries, however, 90% of them were sold to China last year.
“China has suddenly notified us of the pineapple plagues and banned the import of our products immediately. We believe it does not comply with international trade rules,” Wang told CNBC’s Emily Tan on Wednesday.
“But we will try our best to think about this issue and discuss it with China. In the meantime, we will try to diversify our wonderful products and sell to other markets outside China,” she said, according to a translation of her commentary in Mandarin.
A peddler selling pineapples seen in Taipei Street. As China bans imports of Taiwanese pineapples, Taiwanese leaders are urging its people to buy more pineapples to limit the impact on farmers.
Ceng Shou Yi | NurPhoto | Getty Images
US, Canada support
Diplomats from the US and Canada also showed support for Taiwan and its pineapples. The two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations with the island, but enjoy close ties.
Canada’s business office in Taipei posted a photo on its Facebook account of its staff posing with pineapples and pizza. The report included the hashtag #FreedomPineapples.
Separately, the American Institute in Taiwan used the hashtag #pineapplesolidarity and shared photos of the tropical fruits in offices and bookshelves. It also posted recipes that use pineapples.
Last week, a bill introduced in the House of Representatives called for the US to resume diplomatic relations with Taiwan, negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) and support the island’s membership in international organizations.
Wang, Taiwan’s economy minister, said Washington and Taipei have a long-standing relationship, both economically and strategically. They also have strong collaboration in the semiconductor industry, she said.
“If we can have a free freedom council in the future, we will definitely welcome and pursue it because it will further strengthen our economic ties,” she added.