The value of Alaska forest products exports to Taiwan has varied widely over the past two decades. The economic difficulties that Taiwan has faced in 2002, as well as generally low world prices for forest products, have resulted in a decline of Alaska exports. Even as a smaller market than in the past for Alaska forest products, Taiwan is still important to the industry.

American Institute in Taiwan
http://ait.org.tw/ait/aitintro.html

U.S. Commercial Service, Taiwan:
http://www.buyusa.gov/taiwan/en/

U.S. Agricultural Trade Office, Taiwan:
http://ait.org.tw/ait/AGRI/ato_e.htm#INTRO

U.S. Energy Information Administration
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/taiwan.html

U.S. Department of Commerce Country Commercial Guide
http://www.usatrade.gov/Website/ccg.nsf/ShowCCG?OpenForm&Country=TAIWAN

U.S. Government "Additional Links" Page
http://www.buyusa.gov/taiwan/en/page23.html

Taiwan Government Information Office
http://www.gio.gov.tw/

Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
http://www.mofa.gov.tw/

China External Trade Development Council
http://www.tptaiwan.org.tw/

China Airlines
http://www.china-airlines.com/en/index.htm

The possibilities for export of Alaskan seafood products to Taiwan are increasing. One advantage of Alaska seafood is the growing awareness by Taiwanese consumers of environmental issues, including the healthiness of the foods they eat. Fish oil accounted for over one million dollars of the seafood export to Taiwan in 2002.

The exports of seafood waste/animal feed mean that more of the fish is now being used. Historically, Alaska's seafood exports were only the parts of the fish for human consumption. Now, markets like Taiwan are developing to turn the seafood waste from primary processing operations into animal feed.

Alaska's general international image of "pure and clean," the ability of Alaska farmers to grow crops without pesticide, and the taste and quality of Alaska vegetables combine to create niche opportunities for Alaska's excellent produce in Taiwan's "healthy food" markets. The Division of International Trade & Market Development has worked with the State of Alaska Division of Agriculture and the University of Alaska Fairbanks to promote Alaska potatoes, carrots, and cabbage in Taiwan.

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Market Reports for Taiwan

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Fisheries Export Guide

The Division has facilitated several important exchanges of Alaska oil spill preparedness and response expertise with Taiwan. The Amorgos oil spill early this year off the south coast of Taiwan focused public attention on the need for quick response and preparedness. Taiwan’s general public is increasingly aware of the importance of environmental protection. Much of Taiwan’s impressive and rapid development in the past 20 years has come at some environmental cost. Alaska’s technical service firms may find niche opportunities to provide expertise in response to water, soil, and air contamination.

John Bauer, an expert on oil spill preparedness and response from the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, was invited by the Taiwan government in early spring 2001 to consult on the Amorgos oil spill. In April 2001, a delegation of five individuals from Taiwan Coast Guard, Taiwan EPA, Taiwan Legislative Yuan, and Chinese Petroleum Corporation traveled to Alaska for a week-long review of spill preparedness and response facilities and planning processes. ITMD worked with Department of Environmental Conservation to organize both of these important missions. In September 2001, the Division organized a one-hour video conference featuring three Alaska oil spill preparedness and response experts for an audience in Taipei. The guest speakers were John Bauer, State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation; Robert Heavilin, Alaska Chadux Corporation; and Mark Schindler, Lynx Enterprises. The Taiwan audience included representatives of the Taiwan Coast Guard, Taiwan EPA, Chinese Petroleum Corporation, and the Kaohsiung Institute of Marine Technology.