Taiwan is poised to significantly increase its export of red dragon fruit, with projections indicating a total of 338 tonnes shipped by the end of this year. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hu Jong-i, announced yesterday that following eight years of negotiations, a successful test shipment of 192kg to Japan was well-received. Encouraged by this initial success, a larger shipment of 6 tonnes was scheduled for Tuesday.
“We negotiated with Japan for eight years on the sale of red dragon fruit, and I last met with Japanese officials on May 28,” Hu shared. Taiwan has been exporting the white-fleshed variety of dragon fruit to Japan since 2010, but this marks a significant step forward in expanding market access.
Hu also disclosed plans to introduce Jinhuang mangoes to the Japanese market next year, alongside existing varieties like Haden and Aiwen mangoes. Currently, Taiwan exports 50 types of fruit worldwide, with 11 approved for sale in Japan.
Negotiations to finalize bilateral quarantine protocols with Japan are nearing completion, which will enable Taiwanese farmers to adhere to Japan’s stringent regulations. This includes ensuring the fruit reaches a core temperature of 46.5°C for 30 minutes prior to export, as stipulated by Japanese quarantine laws.
“Taiwanese red dragon fruit, known for its high anthocyanin content, sweetness, and size, will enter the Japanese market under the Taiwan Good Agricultural Practice 2020 Plus standards,” Hu explained. Despite Taiwan’s smaller production volume compared to Vietnam, where Japan currently sources much of its red dragon fruit, Taiwan’s superior product commands a 50 percent price premium.
In other export successes, Taiwanese lychees achieved US$172,000 in sales to New Zealand last year, and the recent approval for Taiwanese pineapples in Wellington is expected to further boost exports to the country. Meanwhile, exports of orchids and grouper to the US, as well as pork to the Philippines, continue to rise, with monthly shipments maintaining steady growth.
Overall, Taiwan’s agricultural exports have increased by 4.68 percent since 2016, underscoring the sector’s robust performance and expanding global footprint.