Taiwan: Finance ministry discussing protections for beer industry

Taiwan’s finance ministry is discussing protections for the beer industry as it investigates dumping accusations against Chinese beer exporters, Taiwan News reported on April 16.

The finance ministry said on Wednesday that it would produce guidelines to ensure beer labels clearly show the product’s origin. It also said it is discussing reducing tariffs on hops, malt, and other raw materials used by brewers, per CNA.

Speaking at the legislature, Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun said the ministry is investigating a complaint by the Taiwan Brewers Association alleging Chinese exporters are selling beer to Taiwan at prices that harm local producers.

Chuang said if the investigation finds dumping has occurred, the ministry’s tariff review body would review whether or not to impose anti-dumping taxes. Regarding labeling, Tsai said the treasury would publish a letter asking local governments to conduct thorough investigations to ensure the origin of domestic beer is clear to consumers.

Treasury Director Chen Pai-chen said the letter would inform businesses which items may lead consumers to believe products are produced somewhere they are not. Chen said the letter being drafted would also outline punishment for violators.

After the brewers' association complained, finance ministry officials said last month that the anti-dumping review would be finished as early as late June. It said additional tariffs on Chinese beer could be imposed in October if dumping is found.

In the Customs Administration’s description of the complaint, it listed Budweiser Sedrin Beer, Kirin Beer (Zhuhai), Tsingtao Brewery, and Beijing Yanjing Beer as Chinese beer exporters to Taiwan. Taiwanese importers were listed as Nanlien International Corporation, Taiwan Kirin Brewery, and Dream Wine Taiwan.