Supply Chain for Agriculture in Taiwan — Current Status
Taiwan’s agricultural supply chain has been evolving rapidly over recent years. The government has prioritized building a robust cold-chain logistics ecosystem to reduce losses, improve product quality, and boost both domestic stability and export potential. Yet, structural and logistical challenges remain.
1. Cold-Chain Infrastructure & Policy Momentum
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The Executive Yuan (Taiwan’s central government) is actively pushing a national cold-chain logistics system for agricultural products. Executive Yuan
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In 2023, Taiwan inaugurated the Han Guang Regional Cold-Chain Logistics Center for fruits and vegetables in Yunlin. Executive Yuan+1
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According to a government‐led initiative, NT$ 12.6 billion (approx) was allocated to build out cold-chain infrastructure across the country to reduce post-harvest losses, increase shelf-life, and expand export capacity. Executive Yuan
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The cold-chain push is not just about preserving produce: it’s also about increasing farmers’ incomes, improving market regulation, and integrating origin production with distribution. Executive Yuan
2. Impact & Efficiency Gains
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According to the Taiwan Cold Chain Association (TCCA), thanks to the “農產品冷鏈物流及品質確保示範體系” (Demonstration System for Agricultural Products Cold Chain & Quality Assurance), average product loss (wastage) dropped significantly: from ~24.24% to ~9.13%. 農糧冷鏈施政成果
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The same program boosted “on-shelf days” (how long produce stays viable for sale) from ~13.74 days to ~68.46 days on average. 農糧冷鏈施政成果
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Cold-storage capacity has expanded massively under this initiative: according to TCCA, cold-storage space for pick-up and aggregation centers has grown very significantly. 農糧冷鏈施政成果
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These efficiency gains help stabilize supply, reduce “panic harvesting,” and allow more flexible timing in production-to-market flows.
3. Export & Quality Assurance
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Taiwan’s agricultural products (especially fruits) are increasingly gaining access to international markets. 中央社 CNA+1
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One reason: improved cold-chain logistics makes it possible to maintain quality during long-distance shipping. 中央社 CNA
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The quarantine and phytosanitary treatment capacity has also been enhanced. For example, for certain fruits, Taiwan uses cold-quarantine protocols (like 17 days at 1 °C) that meet strict import-country phytosanitary standards. 中央社 CNA
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These improvements are helping Taiwan’s farmers to expand into premium export markets, supporting higher value-addition, and increasing export volumes.
4. Challenges & Structural Issues
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Despite progress, many small-scale farmers in Taiwan still face aggregation issues: without efficient collection points, small producers cannot easily join the cold chain.
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Pre-cooling (cooling produce right after harvest) is not universally adopted, which reduces the effectiveness of downstream cold logistics. As noted in analyses, the “first-mile” cooling (from farm to cold storage) is often lacking. hucc-coop.tw
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Standardization: While there's progress, not all cold storage or transport providers maintain the same strict temperature control, traceability, or quality assurance across the board. hucc-coop.tw+1
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Cost: Building and operating cold-chain facilities (especially in more remote or less dense production regions) is expensive. The financial burden (capex, maintenance) is still high for many small cooperatives or farmers.
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Environmental risk: Taiwan’s climate (tropical to subtropical) means higher risk of spoilage, so cold-chain systems must be more robust, which can increase energy demand and operating costs.
5. Innovations, Partnerships & Future Outlook
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Organic and niche production: For example, in Tainan’s “Tai-Kang Organic Agriculture Zone,” organic farmers are building dedicated cold-chain logistics to maintain quality from field to consumer. 中央社 CNA
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Industry cooperation: The Taiwan Agricultural Technology & Resource Logistics Management Society (TARM) hosts cold-chain matchmaking and exchange events, bringing together growers, logistics providers, and buyers to build deeper partnerships. 台灣農業科技資源運籌管理學會
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Scaling up: The government is reportedly planning a second phase of cold-chain buildout to further expand the reach of regional cold-chain centers. 中央社 CNA
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Sustainability & export focus: With cold chain improving, Taiwan can push more high-value fruit exports, building on its global reputation for premium fruit quality. Improved freshness, reduced spoilage, and better traceability make exports more competitive.
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Food Security Considerations: Beyond exports, a mature cold chain helps domestic food security by enabling better preservation and stable supply even in fluctuating seasons.
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