“Although progress has been made in promoting Taiwan-U.S. economic relations in 2012, a number of hurdles need to be overcome in future negotiations and policymaking,” an MOEA official said.
The official’s response came after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative released its 2013 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers the day before.
Detailing efforts made by the ROC government in spurring trade and investment with the U.S. over the past year, the report also identified key issues impacting future business ties with Taiwan, the 16th largest export market for U.S. goods.
Top concerns outlined by the USTR were agricultural products, distilled spirits and intellectual property rights protection.
While the government implemented administrative measures in September 2012 to improve market access for U.S. beef, Washington remains concerned about Taipei’s “other trade practices affecting meat exports, including beef offal and pork,” the report said.
In response, the official said the MOEA has repeatedly reiterated its stance on the matter. “While Taiwan permits a maximum residue limit of ractopamine in beef imports, pork containing such additives remains off-limits due to public safety concerns.”
The USTR urged the government to take steps ensuring imported alcohol beverages can compete fairly with similar local products such as rice wine.
Citing official statistics, the official said alcohol imports increased for two years running after the government slashed rice wine tax in 2010, a strong indication that rice wine is not a substitute for imported spirits.
Rice wine is widely used as a cooking product rather than a beverage, the official said, adding that Taiwan’s regulations governing alcohol imports are in line with those set down by the World Trade Organization.
The MOEA will continue working with the U.S. across other important areas pending further negotiation, including investment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and telecommunication services, the official said. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mofa.gov.tw