Taiwan's agricultural trade deficit continues to widen; U.S. remains top market

According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan's agricultural trade deficit continues to widen, reaching US$14.26 billion in 2025, an increase of 7.6% compared to 2024. The deficit for the first quarter of 2026 was US$3.46 billion, a 4.6% increase over the same period in 2025. Currently, the United States remains the largest market for Taiwan's agricultural exports and imports. Ministry statistics show that Taiwan's agricultural exports in 2025 totaled US$4.45 billion, a 9.6% decrease from 2024. The largest decline was in fish and fish products. Imports totaled US$18.71 billion, a 2.9% increase. The largest increase in imports was in live livestock and meat products. The trade deficit widened to US$14.26 billion, an increase of US$1 billion (7.6%). In the first quarter of 2026, exports totaled US$1.01 billion, a 2.7% decrease from the same period in 2025, while imports totaled US$4.48 billion, a 2.9% increase. The trade deficit widened to US$3.46 billion. Regarding major trading partners, exports in 2025 were led by the U.S. at US$830 million, followed by Japan at US$630 million and mainland China at US$510 million. Imports were led by the U.S. at US$4.45 billion, consisting mainly of "cereals and products," "live livestock and meat," and soybeans. Imports from mainland China were US$1.48 billion, primarily "timber and products," "herbal medicines," and "fruits, nuts, and products." The Ministry of Agriculture analyzed that the increase in agricultural imports is due to growing demand for processed products such as feed and dairy, and it continues to assist farmers in expanding domestic and international markets.