US Peanuts to Be Zero Tariff; Ministry of Agriculture Ready to Boost Domestic Value
In response to zero tariffs on US peanuts under the ART agreement, Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture announced a 30 billion TWD fund for industrial upgrading and branding.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 22:24
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 22:31 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 02:58 (4h 26m after Collected)
(Central News Agency, reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, 27th) Under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Taiwan and the United States, US peanuts will be imported at zero tariff, leading to public concern about a large-scale influx. The Ministry of Agriculture stated tonight that it is prepared to assist industrial transformation and enhance the added value of Taiwan's peanuts.
Deputy Minister Hu Zhong-yi of the Ministry of Agriculture responded to these concerns on Facebook. He pointed out that US peanut imports are very small, accounting for less than 1% of total imports, and consist mostly of processed shelled peanuts. Domestic peanuts hold a market share of up to 75% and are the first choice for citizens. Therefore, the competitors for US peanuts are India, Argentina, and Brazil, rather than Taiwan's peanuts.
Addressing concerns about a massive influx after the zero tariff implementation, Hu stated that the Taiwan peanut industry is highly competitive, and the ministry will simultaneously adjust the industrial structure to increase added value. He mentioned the 30 billion TWD Agricultural Safety Fund (農安基金) will support this transition.
Specifically for the peanut industry, the ministry will promote 'wet pod trading' and establish 'automated drying centers,' changing the current situation where farmers must sun-dry peanuts themselves. Additionally, the 'group cultivation' model will be expanded, where farmers focus on farming while the operating team handles harvesting, drying, and cold-chain services. Marketing efforts will focus on 'market segmentation' to build brand value for Taiwan peanuts. (Editor: Guan Zhong-wei)
Deputy Minister Hu Zhong-yi of the Ministry of Agriculture responded to these concerns on Facebook. He pointed out that US peanut imports are very small, accounting for less than 1% of total imports, and consist mostly of processed shelled peanuts. Domestic peanuts hold a market share of up to 75% and are the first choice for citizens. Therefore, the competitors for US peanuts are India, Argentina, and Brazil, rather than Taiwan's peanuts.
Addressing concerns about a massive influx after the zero tariff implementation, Hu stated that the Taiwan peanut industry is highly competitive, and the ministry will simultaneously adjust the industrial structure to increase added value. He mentioned the 30 billion TWD Agricultural Safety Fund (農安基金) will support this transition.
Specifically for the peanut industry, the ministry will promote 'wet pod trading' and establish 'automated drying centers,' changing the current situation where farmers must sun-dry peanuts themselves. Additionally, the 'group cultivation' model will be expanded, where farmers focus on farming while the operating team handles harvesting, drying, and cold-chain services. Marketing efforts will focus on 'market segmentation' to build brand value for Taiwan peanuts. (Editor: Guan Zhong-wei)