TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The announcement of higher US tariffs on Friday caused concern for Yilan fishers, who said 70% of locally caught mahi-mahi is exported to the US.

Suao Fishermen's Association Director-General Chen Chun-sheng (陳春生) told local media that 20% tariffs would lead to fewer orders, especially if Taiwan pays a higher tariff rate than other countries. He said fishers had been dependent on the US market for stable demand and premium pricing, making it previously unnecessary to expand into other markets, per UDN.

Mahi-mahi caught in Yilan is processed into fillets and then sold to the US, with prices exceeding NT$1,000 (US$33) per kilogram. The annual catch is around 5,000 tonnes, hauled in at fishing harbors in Yilan, Taitung, and Pingtung, with Yilan's Nanfangao accounting for 30% of the catch.

Chen said approximately 600 to 700 tons of processed mahi-mahi fillets from Nanfangao are sold to the US annually. Fillets are typically just 47% of the weight of a fresh-caught fish.

Chen said Indonesia, Brazil, and India also sell mahi-mahi to the US. The biggest supplier is Brazil, which faces a punitive 50% tariff rate, though the tariff rate was originally set at 10%, which is much lower than Taiwan's tariff rate.

Fishers urged President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and the Cabinet to continue negotiating the tariff rate. They hope government efforts will at least level the playing field in regards to tariff rates other countries pay.

In a previous briefing to the Suao Fishermen's Association, the Fisheries Agency said it would assist fishers in the transition to higher tariffs. This may include access to low-interest loans, export incentives, and upgraded cold supply chain equipment to diversify into other markets.