TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said Wednesday that orchid farmers should not abandon the US market following President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Taiwan Orchid Growers Association (TOGA) hosted a forum on Wednesday at Taiwan Orchid Technology Park in Tainan to address the US tariff, per CNA. Speaking at the meeting, Chen said the tax hike caught many growers off guard.

Chen explained that most orchid exports involve long-term contracts, and the jump from zero to 32% tariffs may lead to delayed payments. He added the government is offering up to NT$50 million (US$1.5 million) in financing support and encouraged farmers to remain steadfast.

“This is a well-formed supply chain, especially in the area of staggered production,” Chen said, per PTS. “The Ministry of Agriculture will continue supporting the orchid industry to strengthen cohesion and boost exports.”

TOGA Secretary-General Tseng Chun-pi (曾俊弼) said that information since the tariff announcement has been confusing. The association urged the ministry to set up a tariff response center to provide accurate information and countermeasures.

Tseng suggested that short-term export incentives could help mitigate the tariffs while efforts to diversify markets could reduce sales pressures.

According to the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the nation exported NT$6.5 billion (US$197.6 million) worth of orchids in 2023. Its moth orchids also hold around one-third of the global market share.