Taiwan-US New Economic and Trade Framework: Orchid Growers Urge Consideration of Localized Production Closer to Market

Qian Weizhi is currently the Vice President of the Denver Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce. Since 2007, she has invested in the agricultural sector in the United States, deeply cultivating the orchid industry. She currently owns 22,500 square feet of agricultural facilities and has successfully established a stable orchid production and sales system. She has collaborated with Taiwan's agricultural enterprises and technical units, introducing excellent varieties and advanced cultivation techniques, and participated in Taiwan-US agricultural exchange and cooperation programs, promoting deep connections between the two sides in technology, investment, and market expansion. Qian Weizhi mentioned in a forum breakout session that in recent years, global supply chains have changed, and the current crisis facing agriculture actually lies in the security of supply chains and markets. Taking orchids as an example, the United States is Taiwan's largest export market for orchids. When transportation costs and tariffs affect operations, it should be considered whether, if the market is in the United States, the main production should also be close to the market. Qian Weizhi believes that under the new Taiwan-US economic and trade framework, agriculture is not just a traditional industry but will bring new opportunities, including localized production, cooperation models for technology and markets, and integration towards brands and markets. Agriculture can be a long-term opportunity combining industry experience, capital markets, and strategies. She looks forward to more partners from different fields participating together in the future. Qian Weizhi told a Central News Agency reporter that she manages the final stage of orchid growth and cultivation, with seedlings all coming from Taiwan. When she initially decided to enter the orchid industry, she positioned herself to target the high-end market. Facts have proven that the high-end market, such as hotels, weddings, and exhibitions, is less affected by tariffs than general supermarket channels. Qian Weizhi stated that she has collaborated with Taiwanese growers to test growing orchids from seedlings to flowering in her orchid garden in Colorado. The main purpose is to evaluate whether the local climate is suitable and to calculate whether labor, land, and time costs are cost-effective. The final data will be provided to Taiwanese growers for their reference, allowing them to assess whether relocating production bases to the United States would be beneficial. According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan exports orchids to more than 60 countries, mainly phalaenopsis. The United States is the largest market. In 2025, phalaenopsis exports to the United States were 4,284 metric tons, a decrease of 214 metric tons (4.7%) compared to 4,498 metric tons in 2024. The output value decreased from 61.459 million US dollars in 2024 to 54.794 million US dollars in 2025, a decrease of approximately 10.8%, mainly due to tariffs. Orchid exports to the United States were originally tariff-free. In April last year, the United States announced a 32% tariff on Taiwan, which alarmed growers. It was later reduced to 20%, which was still difficult for growers to bear. Before the Lunar New Year this year, the government reached a reciprocal trade agreement (ART) with the United States, reducing tariffs on phalaenopsis exports to the United States to zero, which made growers very happy. However, a US court later ruled the reciprocal tariff illegal, and the United States announced a 10% tariff on all imported products, which was subsequently increased to 15%. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150407