As an island, Taiwan is heavily dependent on imports
and has been one of the largest markets for U.S. agricultural products since
the 1970s.
Taiwan is currently the sixth largest market for U.S. horticultural
product exports. In fiscal
year (FY) 2001, U.S. horticultural shipments to Taiwan were valued at $355
million, 4 percent above exports in FY 2000.
Fresh deciduous fruits, valued at nearly $160 million, accounted
for about 45 percent of total U.S. horticultural sales to Taiwan in FY
2001. The largest players in
this category were apples ($59 million), peaches and nectarines ($51
million), table grapes ($22 million), and cherries ($14 million).
Other major horticultural categories shipped to Taiwan in FY 2001
included miscellaneous products, which were valued at $68 million,
accounting for almost 20 percent of total U.S. shipments.
The top products in the miscellaneous category were beer and potato
chips, with $18 million worth of exports each.
Fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables are also important components
of U.S. horticultural exports to Taiwan, totaling $23 million, $22
million, and $19 million, respectively, in FY 2001.
Other U.S. horticultural categories going to Taiwan are fresh
citrus, tree nuts, juices, dried fruits, and essential oils.
