China's resumption of grouper imports 'politically motivated': MOA

Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) blasted China Friday for lifting a ban on Taiwanese grouper imports in a politically selective manner, calling the move a tactic intended to divide Taiwanese fishermen.

The MOA statement came after the Chinese General Administration of Customs announced earlier in the day that it would resume importing grouper from selected Taiwanese fisheries, effective immediately.

China introduced the ban in June last year, citing several findings of prohibited chemicals and excessive levels of oxytetracycline in grouper imported from Taiwan after December 2022 -- an accusation Taiwan denied.

However, the administration said Friday that the quality of Taiwanese grouper has shown improvement after the introduction of corrective measures, and seven "registered" fisheries will be able to export their products, effective immediately.

In response, the MOA expressed disappointment over China's actions, criticizing it for "unilaterally" selecting several fish farms despite recognizing Taiwan's overall improvement in quality control.

"This action does not adhere to international practice, and there was neither consultation with Taiwanese authorities nor scientific evidence provided," the ministry said in a press release.

China's move was politically motivated and will create an inconsistent market standard that makes it difficult for Taiwanese fishermen to follow, according to the MOA, which urged China to resort to existing channels for negotiation.

Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) also questioned Beijing's intent as the announcement came just 20 days ahead of Taiwan's presidential election on Jan. 13, 2024.

"We should work toward fair trade, and fair elections as well," she said Friday on the sidelines of an anti-bribery press conference when asked by reporters to comment.

The southern Taiwan county is the largest grouper supplier in the country, covering approximately 610 hectares of farming area, or 40 percent of Taiwan's total, government data showed.

Pingtung County produced 6,700 metric tons of grouper in 2021, which generated an annual value of over NT$1.6 billion (US$51.4 million), according to the data.

However, the resumption was good news for some Pingtung County fishermen.

A grouper farmer surnamed Tsai (蔡) told CNA that he has struggled to break even over the past year due to the limited size of the local market, adding that he hopes the Chinese grouper market remains open to Taiwan permanently.