MOFCOM ends probe, rules Taiwan’s import ban a trade barrier

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has concluded its investigation into Taiwan's ban on certain mainland imports, deeming it a trade barrier, as reported by The Paper on Friday (Dec. 15).

The investigation, conducted in accordance with the Foreign Trade Law and Foreign Trade Barrier Investigation Rules, asserts that the measure indeed hinders cross-strait trade relations, according to state-funded Chinese media.

In April, Beijing initiated an investigation against Taiwan's import ban, affecting 2,455 Taiwanese goods, spanning agricultural products, minerals, chemicals, and textiles, under Announcement No. 11.

Originally slated for release on October 12, 2023, the findings' publication was extended to January 12, 2024, one day before Taiwan's 2024 General Election, due to the case's complexity.

Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian described the investigation's findings as clear, objective, and fair. She criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration's restrictions as inconsistent with the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which aims to reduce or eliminate substantial tariffs and non-tariff barriers between the two sides.

Zhu emphasized that such trade restrictions run counter to ECFA terms and harm both sides' interests. The TAO will support relevant departments in implementing measures based on the conclusive results of the trade barrier investigation against Taiwan.