Domestic Peanut Prices Fall; Minister Chen Jun-ji Says Unrelated to US-Taiwan Tariff Agreement
Taiwan's Agriculture Minister Chen Jun-ji denied media reports linking the drop in first-crop peanut prices to the US-Taiwan Agreement on Trade (ART). He stated that current tariff policies remain unchanged and that false information should not be used to manipulate farm-gate prices. The ministry will launch investigations into deliberate rumors.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 11:20
- 🔍 Collected: June 10, 2026 at 11:40 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 10, 2026 at 11:41 (1 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, reporter Lin Yin-yin, Taipei, 10th) Media reports indicated that the first crop of peanuts has entered the harvest season, with opening prices at only NT$35 per catty (approx. 600 grams), which was attributed to market expectations surrounding the US-Taiwan Agreement on Trade (ART). In response, Agriculture Minister Chen Jun-ji stated today that this is misinformation and that it is inappropriate to use such erroneous information and policies not yet implemented to influence farm-gate prices. He warned that if false or deliberate rumors are confirmed, an investigation will be launched.
According to reports, the first crop of peanuts began harvesting at the end of May this year. Over the past three years, the average farm-gate price for the first crop of peanuts has remained between NT$45 and NT$48 per catty. However, this year, prices fell immediately after the start of the harvest, with the current opening price at only NT$35 per catty, a difference of more than NT$10.
Speaking to reporters before attending a session of the Legislative Yuan's Economics Committee on the 10th, Chen pointed out that all current peanut imports, whether within quotas or regarding tariffs, remain exactly the same as before, with no changes whatsoever. Currently, peanut harvesting in Yunlin County is in its early stages, with about 5% of the crop harvested. Due to recent heavy rain, harvesting has been suspended in some areas.
Chen stated that media reports claiming some traders or specific individuals said peanut prices might drop due to US imports are misinformation, as domestic demand has not changed.
Chen emphasized that farmers are waiting to harvest their hard-grown peanuts amid the heavy rain, and it is inappropriate to use such false information and unimplemented policies to influence farm-gate prices. The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to monitor the situation and will launch investigations if false or deliberate rumors, such as 'US peanuts suppressing Taiwan,' are found.
Chen noted that in response to potential future US peanut imports, the Ministry has already prepared relevant measures, initiated symposiums, and will also launch group cultivation and wet pod purchasing systems.
He stated that the Ministry has designed a Taiwan Peanut Label and submitted it to the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs for review, with an announcement expected in mid-July. Regarding the labeling of the origin of raw materials for processed peanut products, discussions continue with the Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The goal is to effectively differentiate Taiwanese peanuts from imported peanuts through the Taiwan Peanut Label and origin labeling. (Editor: Xie Jiazhen) 1150610
According to reports, the first crop of peanuts began harvesting at the end of May this year. Over the past three years, the average farm-gate price for the first crop of peanuts has remained between NT$45 and NT$48 per catty. However, this year, prices fell immediately after the start of the harvest, with the current opening price at only NT$35 per catty, a difference of more than NT$10.
Speaking to reporters before attending a session of the Legislative Yuan's Economics Committee on the 10th, Chen pointed out that all current peanut imports, whether within quotas or regarding tariffs, remain exactly the same as before, with no changes whatsoever. Currently, peanut harvesting in Yunlin County is in its early stages, with about 5% of the crop harvested. Due to recent heavy rain, harvesting has been suspended in some areas.
Chen stated that media reports claiming some traders or specific individuals said peanut prices might drop due to US imports are misinformation, as domestic demand has not changed.
Chen emphasized that farmers are waiting to harvest their hard-grown peanuts amid the heavy rain, and it is inappropriate to use such false information and unimplemented policies to influence farm-gate prices. The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to monitor the situation and will launch investigations if false or deliberate rumors, such as 'US peanuts suppressing Taiwan,' are found.
Chen noted that in response to potential future US peanut imports, the Ministry has already prepared relevant measures, initiated symposiums, and will also launch group cultivation and wet pod purchasing systems.
He stated that the Ministry has designed a Taiwan Peanut Label and submitted it to the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs for review, with an announcement expected in mid-July. Regarding the labeling of the origin of raw materials for processed peanut products, discussions continue with the Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The goal is to effectively differentiate Taiwanese peanuts from imported peanuts through the Taiwan Peanut Label and origin labeling. (Editor: Xie Jiazhen) 1150610
FAQ
Why did peanut prices drop?
The Ministry of Agriculture attributes it to misinformation from some traders concerned about increased US imports.
What measures is the Ministry taking?
Investigating false information, introducing group cultivation systems, and establishing the Taiwan Peanut Label (announcement expected mid-July).
Is the US-Taiwan trade agreement affecting current prices?
The Minister stated the agreement is not yet implemented and tariffs remain unchanged, so there is no impact.