The Ministry of Finance of Taiwan has announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties on beer and hot-rolled steel products imported from China for a four-month period starting next Thursday, citing “substantial damage” to Taiwan’s domestic industry, according to a report by the Taipei Times.
In a statement, the finance ministry confirmed that both it and the Ministry of Economic Affairs had “tentatively concluded that these products are being dumped and that it has inflicted significant harm on the domestic industry.”
The temporary duties are aimed at protecting local producers “from ongoing damage during the investigation.” As per the announcement, tariffs on Chinese beer will range from 13.13% to 64.14%, while steel tariffs will be set at either 16.9% or 20.15%.
The announcement follows an anti-dumping investigation initiated in March, triggered by complaints of unfair trade practices concerning Chinese beer and specific steel products.
Taiwan already enforces anti-dumping duties on ten products, eight of which originate from China, its largest trading partner, as per official trade data.
The ministry noted concerns over Chinese steel overcapacity, attributing persistently low prices to long-standing production surpluses that may be harming Taiwan’s local steelmakers.
Market Impact and Political Response
According to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Hsu Fu-kuei, China has become the largest exporter of beer to Taiwan, holding more than 70% of the local beer market in the first quarter of this year. Over the past five years, Chinese beer exports to Taiwan exceeded NT$16 billion (US$548.32 million).
“Chinese suppliers have harmed local beer producers, and the outcome could be severe if the government fails to implement anti-dumping measures,” Hsu warned.
Another DPP lawmaker, Chung Chia-pin, reported that local beer firms have lost 20% of their market share, production has dropped 15%, and utilisation rates have fallen by 30%—signaling significant operational setbacks due to aggressive competition from Chinese exporters.
DPP Legislator Kuo Kuo-wen cited a public opinion poll suggesting that approximately 70% of Taiwanese citizens support the government’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese beer, viewing the move as necessary to preserve fair competition and market order.
The move is seen as part of a broader effort by Taiwan to defend key industries against unfair pricing practices and overreliance on Chinese imports, especially amid ongoing cross-strait tensions.