The 58% tariff imposed by China on American cherries has led to lower prices in Taiwan, where retail prices have fallen to under NT$200 (US$7) per box.
Typically, U.S.-imported cherries in Taiwan sell for up to NT$300 (US$10) per box. However, the U.S.-China trade dispute has shifted supply, as the high tariff has reduced exports of American cherries to China and diverted more shipments to Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. As a result, cherries are now widely available in markets, supermarkets, and fruit stores at reduced prices during the current cherry season.
Compared with last year's retail price of NT$300 to NT$400 (US$10 to US$13) per box, current prices are down by 30% to 50%. In Vietnam, cherry prices have dropped by 50% compared with previous years, while in Hong Kong, prices have reached a two-decade low.
Favorable weather conditions in the United States this season have increased cherry production by around 8% year-on-year. In Taiwan, wholesale prices have decreased by 10% to 15%.
As the cherry season nears its end, buyers in Taiwan have taken advantage of the lower prices to purchase more fruit than in previous years.
Source: Rti News