Following China's suspension of imports of Taiwanese pineapples, Taiwanese traders are appealing to find a way to export to Japan.

Chinese officials have suspended imports from the 1st of this month, alleging that pests have been detected in Taiwanese pineapples.



In response, Taiwanese authorities have stepped up their opposition, saying that no pests have been detected since the measures were strengthened in October last year.



More than 90% of Taiwanese pineapples are exported to China, and Taiwanese producers and traders are trying to find a way out in Japan as an export destination other than China.



At Asia's largest food trade fair, which has been held in Chiba City since the 9th, a dedicated booth by 22 Taiwanese vendors has been set up, and pineapples are lined up in front to promote.



The person in charge appealed to the visiting buyers the strength of the sweetness.



A female buyer of a Japanese trading company said, "Taiwanese people who usually do business are also in trouble. I would like to take this opportunity to increase the purchase of Taiwanese pineapples and deliver them to Japanese consumers."



According to Taiwanese authorities, orders from Japan have increased since China stopped importing, and exports to Japan are expected to more than double last year to about 5,000 tons.



Frank Hsieh, the representative of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, who visited the venue with Japan, said, "I would like to thank you for your many orders with the desire to help Taiwan."

Japan-US window agencies also support

Since the southern part of Taiwan, where pineapples are produced, has many supporters of Tsai Ing-wen's ruling party and the Democratic Party, there is a view that China may have taken measures to suspend imports in order to drive the Tsai administration. It has come out.



Under these circumstances, there is a movement in Taiwan to buy and support pineapples in order to help the production areas and traders who are in trouble, and the contact agencies in Japan and the United States in Taiwan are also supporting this.



Of these, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association posted a photo of Hiroyasu Izumi eating Taiwanese pineapple with his staff on the 2nd of this month, as well as a comment telling the deliciousness of the pineapple.



The next day, President Cai wrote in Japanese on Twitter, "Thank you to all the Japanese people for supporting Taiwanese pineapples."



In addition, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association posted on the 9th, "Pineapples have arrived from southern Taiwan to the contact agencies in Japan and the United States."



In response, the American representative organization "American Association of Taiwan" also posted on Facebook that "Pineapples sent to Japanese friends have arrived at us," and the production area is linked with Japan. And the attitude to support the traders.