Taiwan’s Fish Farmers Feel the Sting of Trump’s Trade War

The threat of Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs of as much as 32% on Taiwanese goods is roiling Taiwan’s aquaculture industry. Taiwan’s fish farmers, already exporting to China under strict post-ban conditions, are now worried about losing ground in their biggest market.

Trump’s April 2 tariffs slapped a 10% baseline on all imports and higher rates on countries that have trade surpluses with the U.S. Semiconductors got a pass (for now). A 90-day pause announced on April 9 spares most countries, except China (now at 125%).

The Stats

• U.S. imports $115 million in Taiwanese agricultural goods, including fish, annually, according to Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季).
• Taiwan exported 2,638,930 pounds of sea bass fillets to the U.S. in 2024, per News&Markets.
• 70% to 80% of mahi-mahi produced in Taiwan was exported and ended up on U.S. shelves last year.

Why It Matters

The U.S. is Taiwan’s top seafood export market. A 32% tariff could slash demand, leaving fish farmers with unsold stock. “Buyers might take 2,000 to 4,000 pounds at a time,” a fish farmer told Taiwan’s PTS News. “How long will it take to sell tens of thousands?” Brazil, with a 10% tariff, is potentially a rival with cheaper offering, says Lin Tzu-ching (林子清) of the Mituo District Fishermen’s Association.

The Fear

• Taitung fisherman Chen fears for mahi-mahi: “Fuel price has gone up, tariffs are up, how do we fish if prices don’t rise?”
• National Development Council Minister Paul Liu (劉鏡清) warns Taiwan’s GDP will fall by as much as 1.61%.
• Market shrinkage is the biggest concern, according to Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季).

What People Are Saying

The Ministry of Agriculture is offering $560 million worth of financial aid to Taiwan’s producers affected by Trump’s tariffs. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has offered the U.S. zero tariffs as the basis for negotiation.

Trump said the tariffs “will reduce trade imbalances and level the international playing field.”

What’s Next

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Taiwan is preparing for “direct talks” with Washington over tariffs after Trump paused his 32% tariff on imports from Taiwan for 90 days.