Communist China Bans Over 100 Food Imports from Taiwan in Retaliation for Pelosi’s Taiwan Visit

Communist China customs instantly blacklisted more than 100 Taiwanese food manufacturers upon the news of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s possible visit to Taiwan. Most of the local media believe that the move is a retaliatory move by Beijing as tensions rise.

Taiwanese food manufacturers included in the suspension list are: Taishun Enterprise, AGV Products Corp., Wei Chuan Food Corporation, Tung Shaing Food Co., Wei Lih Food Industry Co., King’s Cook Frozen Food Co., Kuo Yuan Ye, Kuang Chuan Dairy Co., Vigor Kobo, Chi Mei Frozen Food Co., Cheng Hsiang Food Product Corp., Grape King, Taiwan Yes Deep Ocean Water Co., Mayushan Food Co., Lian Hwa Food Corp., and food giant I-Mei Foods Co.

Another 2,066 food items are reportedly banned from entering the Chinese market, mainly under the categories of aquaculture, tea, and honey. Taiwanese agricultural officials said the impact on producers in these three categories would be limited, as fewer exports would be made in 2021.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, UDN reported that Beijing is considering axing other agricultural and fishery products from Taiwan if cross-strait relations continue to worsen and has not ruled out expanding the trade blacklist to industrial products.

The decision was made according to Order 248 of the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, the sources said. After Order 248 takes effect on March 12, 2021, overseas manufacturers will not be allowed to export food if they fail to renew their registration with Customs.

On Tuesday morning, Taiwan’s agriculture and economic sectors were considering solutions to deal with the new trade barriers. Agriculture officials told UDN they will assist manufacturers in processing documents under the provisions of Order 248.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Taiwan’s food processing industry comprises more than 7,000 manufacturers, and its production accounts for approximately 4.77% of Taiwan’s GDP in 2020.