The Ministry of Agriculture on Monday unveiled a comprehensive support package to help agricultural producers and exporters weather the impact of impending US tariffs.
The six-point initiative was introduced in response to a decision by US President Donald Trump’s administration on April 2 to impose a 32 percent import tariff on all goods from Taiwan, a measure that was postponed for 90 days one week later.
In its place, the US has enacted a temporary 10 percent tariff on most imports from countries worldwide, including Taiwan, with China one of the few exceptions
Photo: Taipei Times
The measures are designed to stabilize the industry, protect affected producers and enhance Taiwan’s competitiveness in domestic and overseas markets, the ministry said.
To help offset the short-term financial impact of the tariffs, the ministry said it would subsidize loan interest rates by up to 0.75 percent for six months, adding that eligible farmers, agricultural groups and agribusinesses can apply for individual loans of up to NT$20 million (US$615,422).
Eligibility would also extend to producers with a history of exports to the US, as well as those indirectly affected by the tariff adjustments, the ministry said.
In addition to financial support, the government would offer subsidies to strengthen cold chain infrastructure, product processing and quality certification as part of broader efforts to upgrade production capabilities.
Flower growers meeting specific criteria would be eligible for subsidies of up to NT$10 million, while tea and edamame — a kind of immature soybean popular in East Asian cuisine — producers can apply for targeted support for equipment and packaging upgrades.
The ministry also announced support for branding, packaging innovation and market segmentation, including subsidies of up to NT$150,000 per project to help cover international certification costs for flower, edamame and tea products.
Aquaculture operators, including fish farmers raising barramundi and tilapia, would receive expanded support for cold storage and ice-making facilities, with subsidy rates increased by 10 percent compared with previous plans.
Deep-sea and offshore fishers catching mahi-mahi, particularly those participating in the Fishery Improvement Program, would be eligible for cold chain system upgrades of up to NT$3 million per vessel.
To help ensure continued access to global markets, the ministry would also fund overseas marketing campaigns for Taiwan-grown products, including flowers and seedlings, barramundi, tilapia, mahi-mahi and edamame, as well as fully domestically produced tea.
Detailed application guidelines are available on the ministry’s Web site, and a free consultation hotline has been set up to assist with inquiries.
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