Continuing low returns for Taiwan’s banana growers has prompted the industry to form an exporter’s association.
According to a report by Focus Taiwan, the country’s agriculture minister Chen Wu-hsiung said 12 major export businesses were in talks regarding the planned alliance.
He added it was hoped the alliance could be formed before the end of August to address issues pertaining to the country’s autumn banana harvest.
Bananas are one of Taiwan’s key export products, the news source reported, with Japan the country’s major market. In recent years, however, sales have suffered from competition with other countries, such as China.
The summer period has proved the most difficult for sales as the fruit ripens more quickly and there is increased competition in the market with more juicy summer fruits available, the news source reported.
As domestic prices for bananas continue to fall farmers have sought government assistance to find a long-term solution to the problem.
Mr Chen said he had gained the support 12 export businesses involved in trading bananas.
The companies agreed an alliance would help prevent price competition in overseas markets and lead to higher returns for growers, said Mr Chen.
According to figures from Taiwan’s Council of Trade, the country exported 6,195 tonnes of bananas, valued at US$9.5m in the first half of this year, garnering an average price of US$1.53 per kg.
