Taiwan's peach industry remains stable, with approximately 1,900 hectares under cultivation. The country does not grow nectarines, focusing instead on peaches. Production in 2025 is expected to return to 17,000 metric tons, thanks to relatively stable weather, although the previous year's yield was revised down to 16,118 tons due to typhoons and heavy rains.
Key production areas include the highlands of Taichung City (Heping District), Taoyuan City (Fuxing District), and Hsinchu County (Jianshi Township), as well as foothill regions like Xinshe and Dongshi Districts. However, climate change, environmental pressures, and policy factors are shifting cultivation from highland to foothill regions.
© USDA
Taiwan's peach harvest occurs in two main seasons: low-chill varieties from foothills (May to June) and high-chill mountain peaches (July to early September). Market share for low-chill peaches continues to grow, while high-altitude peach production is expected to decline due to difficult logistics and competition from other crops. High temperatures in recent years have caused irregular flowering, earlier ripening, smaller fruit size, and lower average quality. Current fruit sizes generally range from 150 to 250 grams.
Future production may face further challenges as Taiwan's rainfall patterns shift under ongoing climate stress. The introduction of new varieties, such as nectarines and donut peaches, depends on research from government agricultural stations. However, predicting which varieties will dominate is increasingly difficult due to a shrinking market and wide consumer choice.
In 2025, total peach and nectarine consumption is projected to reach 31,500 metric tons, driven by strong domestic production and increased imports, particularly of nectarines during the winter. Domestic low-chill peaches are mostly sold through wholesale auctions, while highland peaches are marketed directly by farmers. Tourist purchases of high-mountain peaches have declined due to deteriorating road access and shipping difficulties.
© USDA
The U.S. remains Taiwan's leading peach supplier, accounting for 90% of imports in 2024, although volumes have trended downward. U.S. peach imports reached 6,066 tons in 2024, the second-lowest volume in the past decade.
Taiwanese consumers tend to prefer juicy peaches over nectarines, which are perceived as having less aroma and texture. Despite this, nectarine imports, especially from Chile, are expected to rise to 7,500 metric tons in 2025, up from around 7,000 tons in recent years. Chile currently holds an 81% market share for winter nectarine imports, while U.S. nectarine exports to Taiwan dropped to just 1,059 tons in 2024.
Peaches are not considered staple fruits in Taiwan, particularly in summer when papayas, pineapples, guavas, dragon fruit, mangoes, and avocados are widely available and more popular.
To view the full report, click here.
For more information:
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2791
Email: [email protected]
www.usda.gov
