According to the Department of Agriculture of the United States, the apple is still the most imported fruit in Taiwan, with total imports of 118,662 metric tons (USD 131 million) in the 2011/12 campaign, the lowest level of imports since 2004, the favoutie being the Fuji variety, accounting for 90% of total retail sales, followed by Gala, Red Delicious and Granny Smith.
During the 2010-2011 campaign, Chile had a significant increase in apple shipments, so total imports were pushed to a record this year. However, this resulted in a strong competition and economic losses for importers. As a result, during 2011-2012, importers were more cautious with their orders, which contributed to the fall of 20% of the imports.
Despite this overall decline, importers increased their purchases of U.S apples, which allowed the United States to take a leadership position in this respect, moving Chile to be the second largest supplier of apples in Taiwan.
According to the USDA, the volumes imported by all suppliers, except the U.S., showed a decline in MY 2011/12: Chile (-22%), New Zealand (-38%), Japan (-47%), Korea (-62%), and South Africa (-35%).
As for each provider's participation in the Taiwanese market, the U.S. counts with
42%, Chile with 37%, followed by New Zealand (10%), Japan (7%), Korea (2%), and South Africa (1%).
Meanwhile, local importers provide import 130,000 tons in 2012-13.
Source: SimFRUIT