Taiwan’s Pineapple Pivot: U.S. Market Opening Reshapes Global Flows

The global pineapple market is entering a pivotal phase driven by shifting trade alliances, diplomatic negotiations, and evolving consumer markets. Taiwan’s successful drive to secure U.S. market access for its pineapples, following China’s import ban in 2021, marks a new era for both Taiwanese growers and international buyers. The recent announcement that Taiwan will purchase $10 billion of U.S. agricultural products over the next four years has cemented bilateral goodwill, unlocking an expected approval for Taiwanese pineapple exports to the United States as early as the 2026 harvest season. This move comes as Taiwanese pineapples, lauded for their sweetness and juiciness, aim to gain a foothold in a market dominated by Central and South American supply. Simultaneously, exporters from Thailand and Vietnam continue to set the pace for dried pineapple, as reflected in stable prices across European ports.

This strategic realignment could offset Taiwan’s lost access to China—once its top market—while strengthening its agricultural export profile globally. Technical and legal hurdles have mostly been cleared, and final quarantine measures are under negotiation. As global buyers watch for protocol finalization and U.S. approval, the pineapple trade is bracing for greater price competition, quality upgrades, and diverse sourcing options. This dynamic scenario, underpinned by favorable weather outlooks in major production zones, promises both risk and opportunity for stakeholders in 2025 and beyond.

📈 Prices

Product	Origin	Delivery Terms	Location	Price (EUR/kg)	Change (WoW)	Sentiment
Pineapple dried	Vietnam (VN)	FOB	Hanoi, VN	6.85	0.00	Stable
Pineapple dried, normal sugar, 5-7 mm	Thailand (TH)	FCA	Dordrecht, NL	4.55	0.00	Stable
Pineapple dried, normal sugar, 8-10 mm	Thailand (TH)	FCA	Dordrecht, NL	4.60	0.00	Stable

🌍 Supply & Demand

• Taiwan: After losing its largest market (China), Taiwan eyes the U.S. as a major new outlet. Approval is expected before March 2026.
• U.S. Imports: Current supply heavily favors Latin America (Costa Rica, Mexico). Taiwanese pineapples will compete on quality and niche appeal.
• Europe: The dried pineapple market is supplied largely by Thailand and Vietnam, with stable inventory and little price movement this week.
• Global Flows: As U.S. and Taiwanese government cooperation increases, market access for pineapples and bilateral agricultural products is being formalized, forming a trade corridor less reliant on China.

📊 Fundamentals

• Trade Policy: $10 billion U.S.–Taiwan agricultural deal extends to soybeans, corn, beef, and wheat, supporting food security and future fruit trade stability.
• Quality & Quarantine: Taiwanese cultivars are poised for streamlined U.S. entry, with likely exemptions from harsh chemical treatments—boosting their U.S. competitiveness.
• Market Differentiation: Taiwan’s fruit positions itself at the premium end (flavor, sanitation, traceability).

Country	Pineapple Exports (2024 est., ‘000 t)	Pineapple Imports (2024 est., ‘000 t)	Notable Trends
Costa Rica	2,200	—	Top global exporter (main U.S. supplier)
Philippines	680	—	Asia, Middle East focus
Taiwan	350	—	Seeking new markets post-China ban
U.S.	—	1,100	Imports for fresh and processed demand
EU	—	1,200	Strong processed/dried demand

🌦️ Weather & Crop Outlook

• Taiwan: Current weather is favorable with moderate temperatures and rainfall, supporting healthy plant development for the 2025 cycle. No major typhoons threaten the main growing regions (Pingtung, Chiayi).
• Thailand/Vietnam: Normal monsoon trends aid stable yields in both fresh and dried pineapple segments. Rainfall is sufficient with minimal flooding risks reported.
• Central & South America: Costa Rica, the primary supplier to the U.S., reports ideal humidity and temperature conditions. Disease pressure remains low.

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

• Short-term prices for dried pineapple stable; no significant movement expected barring supply chain shocks.
• Anticipate increased Taiwanese pineapple shipments to North America by Q2/Q3 2026. Monitor U.S. quarantine updates closely for fast-moving approvals.
• Premium product positioning and strong sanitary protocols give Taiwanese fruit a competitive edge in the U.S. market.
• Fresh and dried pineapple buyers in the EU should expect continued ample supply from Thailand and Vietnam, with potential for seasonal dips during holiday demand peaks.
• Speculative positions should focus on Taiwan’s shift in export flows and any sudden weather disruptions, especially typhoons in East and Southeast Asia.

📉 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Product	Market	Price Outlook (Next 3 Days, EUR/kg)
Pineapple dried	Hanoi, VN (FOB)	6.85 — Stable
Pineapple dried, 5-7 mm	Dordrecht, NL (FCA)	4.55 — Stable
Pineapple dried, 8-10 mm	Dordrecht, NL (FCA)	4.60 — Stable