Browse Data and Analysis

U.S. beef exports to East Asia in 2022 are again on record pace after a record year in 2021. Despite economic uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, continued global supply chain challenges, and a competitive global beef market, U.S. beef exports to East Asia, both in value and volume, were outstanding in the first half of 2022.

Since the previous report, Taiwan has granted new approvals for imports of genetically engineered (GE) products for processing, food, and feed use. Taiwan has never permitted domestic production of GE crops or animals. In 2021, Taiwan imported close to $1.2 billion of U.S. GE crops including soybeans, corn, and cotton, accounting for 30 percent of total U.S. agricultural exports to the island.

Since 2019, Taiwan took a cautious attitude regarding the COVID-19 pandemic but is now finally loosening its border controls and mask mandates. Unlike during the pandemic when people were more inclined to cook at home, now consumers are again looking for quick and convenient food and beverage options.

In 2021, Taiwan was the sixth largest export market for U.S. food and agricultural products, valued over $3.78 billion. Imported food and agricultural products must comply with a range of laws designed to protect human health and prevent the introduction of animal and plant pests or diseases.

This report lists major export certificates required by the Taiwan government to export food and agricultural products to Taiwan. For more information on import requirements, see the Taiwan Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report.

Taiwan’s beer market increased to 517 million liters (137 million gallons) in 2013.

Even though Taiwan’s food processing and ingredients industries are extremely competitive, there are still great opportunities for U.S. exporters.

With November trade reports, 2014 is confirmed as another record year for U.S. beef exports to Taiwan, valued at over USD $269 million.

Eighty-eight percent, 28,884 MT, of Taiwan’s 2014 U.S. rice Country Specific Quota (CSQ) under normal tender is yet to be complete.

Taiwan’s retail food sector is becoming increasingly competitive, and foreign operators (Costco, 7-11, Carrefour and Wellcome) continue to dominate Taiwan’s food retail market.

Taiwan authorities recently lifted a ban on U.S. long grain rice, in place since 2006.