Vegetable exports to Hong Kong rise amid the epidemic, grouper unsold while fourfinger threadfin proceeds as usual, meat outlook positive

COVID-19 (Wuhan pneumonia) has affected Taiwan's agricultural exports to China, and all parties are looking for alternative markets, with Hong Kong the most frequently mentioned. In Jiangjun Township, carrots that are currently in harvest season have accumulated 400 metric tons of orders for export to Hong Kong over two weeks. Is it feasible to use Hong Kong to reduce dependence on the Chinese market?

"Upstream and Downstream" takes stock of major agricultural, fishery and livestock exports,Restaurant ingredients have been greatly reduced by the epidemic (such as grouper), but demand for fourfinger threadfin for household consumption remains unchanged, demand for vegetable necessities has increased, while 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 both have strong interest in Taiwanese meat, and manufacturers will also develop new products for the Hong Kong market.

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

Fewer people eat out, more Hong Kong residents cook at home, and demand for daily necessities increases

Jiao Jun believes that this epidemic has affected China's exports, not only agricultural products but all products, thus creating a shift-order effect, and the current fluctuation in the quantity of agricultural products exported to Hong Kong stems from demand at the end-consumer level.<