China's import ban brings more Taiwan pineapples to Japan

TAIPEI — Taiwanese pineapples are increasingly prominent in the Japan market, thanks to widespread support for their purchase following China's import ban in 2021.

Taiwanese farmers have invested in equipment for exporting the fruit to Japan, and the percentage of Taiwanese pineapples among Japanese imports of the fruit rose from 1% in 2020 to 9% in 2023.

Pineapples do not last long at room temperature, which led to China previously accounting for 90% of the fruit's exports. When the Chinese government suddenly announced an embargo on the import of Taiwanese pineapples in February 2021, efforts to purchase Taiwanese pineapples spread in Japan and the United States. Japan's import volume of the fruit in 2021 was about eight times that of the previous year.

The increase in imports is backed by Taiwanese farmers' efforts to achieve a stable pineapple supply. Kuo Chih Wei, the representative of an agricultural association in southern Taiwan, has invested a total of 100 million Taiwanese dollars (about ¥500 million) since 2022. The money has gone toward introducing cooling facilities and equipment to load the pineapples into containers without exposing them to outside air, establishing a “cold chain” that prevents the fruit from spoiling.

“Investment in preserving freshness is necessary to ensure [the pineapples] are enjoyed fresh in Japan,” he said.

Pan Chih-min, a fruit producer in Pingtung County, started using an automatic crown removal machine last year to cater to the Japanese market, where cut fruits are preferred.

Taiwan's Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih expressed his gratitude in early March in Tokyo, stating, “We are thankful that Taiwanese pineapples have been well received by Japanese consumers.” (March 22)