Following setbacks that slashed exports of U.S. pork to Taiwan in recent years, demand has rebounded in 2023. Taiwan’s zero-tolerance policy for ractopamine residues and persistent trade tensions kept ractopamine in the public eye, creating a difficult business climate as U.S. exports plunged in 2021 and 2022.
While these headwinds linger, the business climate for U.S. pork has improved as supplies from Europe and domestic producers have tightened. From January through August 2023, U.S. pork exports to Taiwan increased 429% in volume over year-ago levels, with value up 575% to $45.4 million.