TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Agriculture said it will help edamame farmers cope with US President Donald Trump's postponed 32% tariffs on the nation's exports to America.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) held a meeting in Pingtung on Sunday with representatives from the frozen vegetable and fruit sector, edamame producers, and farmers. Cho announced a one-week delay in unveiling details of a NT$88 billion (US$2.72 billion) support package aimed at addressing potential economic impacts from US tariffs, per CNA.

Chen said the ministry plans to allocate NT$18 billion for financial support and diversifying export markets to stabilize Taiwan’s agricultural and fisheries exports.

Chen said the support package includes interest subsidies on loans, cold chain infrastructure upgrades, assistance for producers in obtaining international certifications, and improved marketing strategies. The package also includes measures to support edamame farmers in enhancing production and expanding domestic and overseas markets.

The ministry will also work with the frozen vegetables and fruits association to establish a tariff response task force, Chen said. The special unit will monitor the impact of US tariffs on farmers and businesses and develop corresponding response strategies.

According to the Agriculture and Food Agency, Taiwan produced over 77,000 tonnes of edamame last year, with 45% being exported. Japan was the top export destination, accounting for 73% of overseas sales, followed by the US at 19%. The agency noted the US imports around 40,000 tonnes of frozen edamame annually, with China supplying the majority at 70% and Taiwan a smaller share ranging from 10 to 15%.

The agency said Taiwan's edamame production was valued at approximately NT$2.98 billion last year. It added that edamame is one of the nation’s key agricultural exports, generating around NT$2.3 billion in annual foreign exchange earnings.

Wei Tung-chi (魏東啓), chair of a frozen vegetables and fruits association, said that Taiwan was previously the top exporter of edamame to Japan. However, China surpassed Taiwan in edamame exports to Japan last year, largely due to typhoon-related crop losses. 

Wei expressed concern that with the US imposing a 125% tariff on Chinese products, China could increase its edamame exports to Japan, intensifying competition in that market.