MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh Clarifies Remarks on Sugar Apple Exports

Taipei, June 20 (CNA) — Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh clarified his recent comments regarding Taiwanese sugar apples, which he previously described as a product with negligible domestic demand that relies heavily on the Chinese market.

Liang explained that his primary intention was to highlight the vulnerability caused by insufficient domestic consumption. He stated that the reliance on China allows the other side to utilize agricultural trade as a political instrument. Liang emphasized that his remarks were aimed at preventing farmers from falling into a cycle of dependency. He noted that if his comments encourage the public to incorporate sugar apples into their regular diet, it would be a positive outcome for the industry’s long-term sustainability.

Liang compared the situation to red pitaya (dragon fruit), which has successfully integrated into the Taiwanese lifestyle with a high per capita consumption rate of approximately 2.5 kilograms annually. With strong domestic demand, exports account for less than 1% of production, allowing farmers to maintain stable incomes without political interference. Liang expressed confidence that sugar apples could achieve a similar domestic market integration.

Regarding recent trade commitments made during the Straits Forum in Xiamen, which involved procurement deals for Taiwanese agricultural products including sugar apples and pomelos, Liang stated that the government would carefully review the details of these agreements and their potential impact on Taiwan's agricultural sector.