Taiwan’s Finance Ministry has launched anti-dumping probes into Chinese beer imports, responding to local brewers’ concerns about unfair competition and proposing measures to protect the domestic industry.
The Finance Ministry is investigating allegations that Chinese breweries have exported beer to Taiwan at artificially low prices, undermining local production. The move follows a formal complaint by the Taiwan Brewers Association, which claims that domestic brewers are suffering due to dumping practices from major Chinese brands.
As part of the inquiry, Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun confirmed that the ministry’s tariff review commission is examining whether to impose anti-dumping duties. If such pricing manipulation is confirmed, additional tariffs on Chinese beer could be introduced as early as October. The results of the probe are expected by the end of June.
Among the Chinese exporters under scrutiny are Budweiser Sedrin Beer, Kirin Beer (Zhuhai), Tsingtao Brewery, and Beijing Yanjing Beer. Taiwanese companies importing these products include Nanlien International Corporation, Taiwan Kirin Brewery, and Dream Wine Taiwan.
The situation has spurred the ministry to propose further actions to support local breweries. These include plans to reduce import tariffs on key brewing ingredients like hops and malt, which could alleviate cost pressures for Taiwanese producers. At the same time, the government aims to tighten labeling regulations to ensure consumers can clearly identify the origin of the beer they purchase.
Treasury Director Chen Pai-chen noted that the ministry is drafting a directive for local governments to investigate misleading labeling practices and to outline sanctions for violations. Businesses will be warned about label elements that might falsely suggest Taiwanese origin for foreign beers.
These measures align with broader global trends targeting Chinese exports amid economic tensions. Just last month, Taiwan also began investigating steel imports from China, reflecting increasing scrutiny of Chinese trade practices by global partners. According to the Finance Ministry, China was the largest beer exporter to Taiwan in 2024, with a total value of USD 125.4 million—nearly four times more than the next largest source, the Netherlands.
This marks Taiwan’s first anti-dumping probe targeting China since 2023 and comes at a time of continued geopolitical strain between the two sides, as Beijing continues to assert its intention to eventually bring the self-governed democracy of 23 million people under its control—by force if necessary.
