March 04, 2026 | Taiwan News |
The United States has proposed new quarantine rules that could allow Taiwanese pineapples to enter the US market for the first time. The draft, published by the USDA, is currently under a 62-day public comment period. If approved, exports could begin as early as this year, marking a significant opportunity to expand Taiwan’s premium fruit exports.
Taiwan first applied in 2020 and has since provided detailed scientific data on pests, cultivation, and post-harvest handling. US authorities identified certain pests of concern, but key pineapple varieties—such as Golden Diamond and Mango pineapple—are not considered hosts for the oriental fruit fly. As a result, the fruit will not require intensive treatments like irradiation, only inspection and phytosanitary certification.
Taiwan plans to ensure strict compliance with US food safety and quarantine standards, while strengthening traceability, pest control, and cold-chain logistics to maintain quality during transport. Pineapples are a major export crop for Taiwan, already shipped to over 10 countries.
Officials believe access to the US market will boost competitiveness, expand export networks, and increase farmer income, supported by marketing campaigns and export incentives.
