Trade Minister Mark Vaile said in Shanghai today he welcomed advice from Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr Lin Hsin-Yi, that Australian producers would have the opportunity to increase their exports to Taiwan by more than $35 million.

"Mr Lin advised that Taiwan's domestic production of sugar is expected to drop from current levels of around 250,000 tonnes to around 120,000 tonnes per annum.  This provides a terrific opportunity for Australian producers to significantly boost sugar exports to Taiwan.  It also demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to trade reform and open markets," Mr Vaile said in Shanghai, where he is attending the APEC meeting of Trade Ministers.

Ten years ago, Taiwan imported no sugar.  These days, it imports approximately 350,000 tonnes of its annual consumption of 600,000 tonnes and domestic production is declining.

"This is very good news for Australian farmers and the Australian economy as a whole. Taiwan already sources a significant proportion of its sugar imports from Australia and our sugar exporters will be in a good position to compete for this growing market," Mr Vaile said. 

"Australia exports more than $80 million of sugar to Taiwan.  Last year 300,000 tonnes of sugar was exported to Taiwan, including 60,000 tonnes of refined sugar.  All Australian sugar exported to Taiwan comes from Queensland."

Contact:
James Baker (Ministerial) 0011 86 139 1666 0471
Nicole Guihot (Departmental) 02 6261 1555