June 11, 2025

Taiwan to implement zero tariffs on Paraguayan pork

The Republic of China (Taiwan) has officially established a zero tariff on pork from Paraguay, with this exceptional measure set to take effect starting July 5.

The Paraguayan highlighted this as a historic achievement that will bring changes to Paraguayan exports and offer greater opportunities to local industries that generate employment.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Javier Giménez, emphasised that this is a historic breakthrough for the national pork sector, considering that the Asian market is the largest consumer of this protein. It is worth noting that the industry previously paid a 12.5% tariff to enter the Taiwanese market.

"This will mark a before and after in our relationship with our brother country, the Republic of China (Taiwan), but most importantly, it will boost our industry and job creation across the entire value chain,» said Giménez.

He mentioned that Paraguay currently ranks third in pork exports to Taiwan and hopes that with this preferential treatment, it could rise to first place in a few years.

"We will likely go from around US$50 million in annual exports to US$100 million, doubling our exports in a short period," he emphasised, adding that pork production has a significant impact, as it involves the entire production chain.

The Head of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) stated that this achievement is the result of both diplomatic and economic efforts led by President Santiago Peña. "The president's efforts in this area are immeasurable," he affirmed.

Taiwan's Ambassador to Paraguay, José Chih-Cheng Han, delivered the official note signed by President Lai Ching-te to Santiago Peña on June 6, granting zero-tariff status to Paraguayan boneless, frozen, fresh pork.

"Among the countries that export pork to Taiwan, Paraguay is the only one that, starting July 5 —one month after the official notice— will have zero tariffs in the Taiwanese market," the Ambassador noted.

He also highlighted President Peña's commitment to strengthening the historic relationship between Paraguay and the Republic of China (Taiwan).

"This was a joint effort—from the initial approval of pork exports to Taiwan involving the government and the private sector to today's major step forward. We are confident that this will bring many benefits to both countries, especially to the productive sector," he concluded.

According to data from the Paraguay National Service for Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa), from January to May, the country exported a total of 3,983,334 kilogrammes of pork to Taiwan, generating US$12.7 million in revenue. As of the end of May, the Taiwanese market accounts for 81% of Paraguay's pork and offal exports.

-      Agencia de Información Paraguaya