Taiwan - Beef Taiwan - Beef
Overview
Taiwan’s beef production is negligible and relies on imports to meet demand. The top three suppliers of imported beef, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, have dominated the beef import market since the 1990’s. In 2018, U.S. beef exports to Taiwan reached 57,303 metric tons, and for the first time exceeded $500,000 in value. Although Taiwan’s free trade agreements give its partners tariff-free access to its beef market, the United States remains the island’s leading supplier of beef.From 2008 to 2017, Taiwan’s per capita beef consumption rose by 52 percent, from 3.87 kilograms to 5.88 kilograms. Family eating habits and lifestyle choices jointly limit the growth of beef consumption in Taiwan. However, younger people show a growing taste for beef, and increases in family income are enabling higher levels of beef consumption. Taiwan’s booming tourism and hospitality industry also drives demand for imported beef.
U.S. beef exports to Taiwan are limited to cuts derived from cattle less than 30 months of age due to concerns over Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Ground beef, internal organs, and several items identified as specified risk materials (SRMs) are also ineligible for import. In 2011 and 2012, U.S. beef exports to Taiwan tumbled after some shipments of U.S. beef tested positive for ractopamine, a feed ingredient approved for use in the United States and in many other countries but not in Taiwan. In late 2012, however, Taiwan implemented a maximum residue level (MRL) for ractopamine in beef muscle cuts; shortly thereafter, the United States reestablished itself as the number one supplier of beef to Taiwan.
Beef Market Unit: Metric Tons
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (est.) | |
| Total Market Size | 165,583 | 172,267 | 187,831 | 202,840 |
| Total Local Production | 6,818 | 7,027 (est.) | 7,100 (est.) | 7,100 |
| Total Exports | 269 | 162 | 258 | 260 |
| Total Imports | 159,034 | 165,402 | 180,989 | 196,000 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 58,660 | 61,812 | 77,932 | 82,000 |
| Exchange Rate: USD1 | 32.28 | 29.65 | 30.59 | 30.86 |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources: Taiwan Directorate General of Customs; Council of Agriculture
Leading Sub-Sectors
Consumer demand for U.S. beef is strong, particularly in the hotel and restaurant sector. Australian beef generally occupies more shelf space in retail stores, except in Costco, which carries only U.S. beef. The U.S. beef industry can supply large volumes of “Asian cuts” at prices competitive with New Zealand and Australian suppliers. These cuts include most chuck items, short ribs, and short plate for ethnic Asian cuisines, and middle meat items for Western restaurants. U.S. chilled beef imports of 22.6 thousand tons represented 40 percent of total U.S. exports.Opportunities
High-end hotels and retailers tend to promote exclusive brands that meet or exceed average beef quality. Small and medium-sized brands of high-quality U.S. beef that are USDA-certified for exports to Taiwan also perform well. ATO Taipei strongly recommends that U.S. exporters exhibit in the USA Pavilion at the Taipei International Food Show, which is the most influential trade show in the food industry in Taiwan. USA Pavilion exhibitors receive on-site consultation services from ATO Taipei. U.S. suppliers are also encouraged to take advantage of the “American Food Festival”, an in-store promotion opportunity arranged by ATO Taipei and local retail outlets to promote U.S. food and agricultural products.Web Resources
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) website offers the following resources for U.S. exporters:- Official data on agriculture trade for specific products and commodities
- GAIN Reports on international food and agricultural markets
- FAS services for U.S. exporters and information on USDA market development programs
- The USDA website lists current agricultural export requirements for Taiwan.
For additional information on the Taiwan market for food and agricultural products or to exhibit in the USA Pavilion at the Taipei International Food Show, please contact AIT's Agricultural Trade Office at: ATOTaipei@fas.usda.gov.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.