March 24, 2025 | Taipei Times |
China’s rapid development in atemoya (pineapple custard apple) cultivation poses a serious challenge to Taiwan’s producers, particularly those in Taitung County, where 90% of Taiwan’s atemoya is grown. Taitung County Councilor Huang Chih-wei warned that Chinese producers—already surpassing Taiwan in both production volume and cultivation area—could match Taiwan’s quality and yield within two years. Using replicated planting technologies, China’s output now triples Taiwan’s, with large-scale cultivation in Hainan, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guangdong.
Although Taiwanese atemoya has long been exported to China and was once valued at over NT$100 per jin, the trade has faced setbacks. In 2021, China suspended imports citing pest issues, and though imports resumed in 2023, a 20% tariff was imposed the following year.
The Taitung County Government acknowledges the growing threat and is actively seeking alternative markets in Southeast Asia. While Taitung's favorable climate and soil still produce top-tier fruit, officials aim to position their atemoya as a premium product in China.
Local authorities are also encouraging diversification and strategic export planning to maintain the economic viability of the "green gold" fruit and safeguard the livelihoods of atemoya farmers in the region.
