Taiwan eyeing all 27 EU countries as mango exports surge: Minister

Taipei, June 24 (CNA) Taiwan's mango exports are expected to increase 2.5 to 2.6 times year-on-year in 2026, with the government aiming to eventually expand sales to all 27 European Union member states, Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said Wednesday.

According to Ministry of Agriculture data, Taiwan exported 325 metric tons of fresh mangoes between January and May 2026, compared with 836 metric tons for all of 2025.

The remarks came after Taiwanese mangoes entered the French market earlier this month and a Taiwanese trader announced Wednesday that a shipment had also arrived in London.

Speaking on the sidelines of Food Taipei 2026, Chen said agricultural trade depends on building long-term, stable and reliable partnerships rather than competing solely on price.

He described France as an important distribution hub and said Taiwanese exporters have established long-term relationships with local trading partners whose networks extend into other European markets.

Through those distribution channels and targeted marketing strategies for different consumer groups, Taiwan's mangoes have the potential to reach all 27 EU countries, Chen said.

Beyond Europe, exports to South Korea have also performed strongly, he said, adding that Taiwan aims to build overseas demand through product quality and value. He expressed hope that other premium Taiwanese fruits could follow a similar path into international markets.

Chen made the remarks during an interview at the opening of Food Taipei 2026.

The exhibition, being held June 24-27 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1 and Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Halls 1 and 2, has attracted 1,750 companies from 33 countries operating a total of 4,700 booths, making it the largest edition of the event since the COVID-19 pandemic.

James Huang (黃志芳), chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the event's organizer, said 21 countries have established national pavilions.

Meanwhile, the Taiwan Pavilion has brought together food companies from across the country to showcase the strengths of Taiwan's food industry, Huang said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Mark Ho (何志偉) said Taiwan's food industry comprises more than 8,000 businesses, supports about 240,000 jobs and generates output valued at more than NT$1 trillion (US$31.5 billion), making it a key pillar of the economy.