No zero tariff as base in U.S. agriculture import talks: Minister

Taipei, Jan. 17 (CNA) Taiwan has never used zero tariffs as a base in negotiations with the United States on agricultural items such as pork, Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said Saturday.

Although Taipei and Washington signed an agreement on Thursday to lower tariffs from 20 percent to 15 percent on Taiwanese goods without stacking them on existing most-favored-nation (MFN) rates, import tariffs on U.S. pork, beef and rice have not been finalized.

Taiwan's farmers have expressed concern that the government could promise zero tariffs on pork, beef and rice imported from the U.S. in future negotiations.

Taiwanese farmers are also worried that an increase in imports of U.S. agricultural items will hurt sales of domestically produced items.

After the Trump administration announced sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" in April 2025, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said tariff negotiations with the U.S. would start with a goal of "zero tariffs" to seek a lower levy.

However, Chen told reporters Saturday that Taiwan has never used zero tariffs as a base during ongoing tariff negotiations with the U.S. on agricultural items.

"Taiwan's government will take into account food safety, the stability of the local agriculture industry and Taiwanese farmers' income during negotiations with the U.S.," he added.

"Both sides are still checking details," Chen said, indicating tariffs on agricultural products have not been finalized.

When asked to comment how the U.S. 15 percent tariffs will affect Taiwanese agriculture goods, Chen indicated that the impact will depend on whether the levy Taiwan faces is lower than that of its rivals.

Certain Taiwanese agricultural products such as dolphin fish remain competitive as the 15 percent levy is lower than the tariffs faced by Taiwan's competitors, Chen said.

On the other hand, Taiwan's tea and moth orchid products have felt the pinch, he added.

"The government will continue to seek tariff exemptions for some agricultural products in the future," Chen said.

The R.O.C. Swine Association Chairman Pan Lien-chou (潘連周) urged the government not to sacrifice local farmers by allowing zero tariff pork imports from the U.S. to enter the local market.

Pan said local farmers have faith that their pork is better than imported pork, but the government should require vendors to label their products correctly so consumers can choose Taiwan pork, to protect the interests of Taiwanese farmers.