Wuhan pneumonia impact: Some vegetable exports to Hong Kong rise, can they replace the China market?

The novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) outbreak has affected Taiwan's agricultural exports to China, and all parties are looking for substitute markets, with Hong Kong becoming the most frequently mentioned candidate. In Jiangjun Township, where carrots are currently in harvest season, orders exported to Hong Kong have already accumulated 400 metric tons over two weeks. Is it feasible to use Hong Kong to reduce dependence on the China market?

"Upstream and Downstream" takes stock of major agricultural, fishery and livestock exports,Restaurant-use ingredients have been greatly reduced by the pandemic (such as grouper), but demand for fourfinger threadfin for household consumption remains unchanged, demand for essential vegetables has increased, fruit has been slightly affected, and luxury goods such as tea have also been affected. Frozen meat currently remains flat, but after Taiwan's meat products were declared free of foot-and-mouth disease last year, Hong Kong and Singapore have both shown strong interest in Taiwan meat products, and manufacturers will also develop new products for the Hong Kong market.

The Council of Agriculture's International Affairs Division believes that Hong Kong relies on imports for food, and Taiwan's advantages in exporting to Hong Kong include short transport time and low tariffs, and goods can subsequently be re-exported to China. Demand has temporarily increased because of the pandemic, and efforts will continue so that the market can be retained after the pandemic. Agricultural expert Jiao Jun said that overseas offices, trade associations and other agencies should be asked to go to various places (not limited to Hong Kong) to understand the real consumer demand in local markets; whether for export or domestic sales, consumer demand must be the starting point.