The government visited distribution sites to assess the impact of reduced tariff quotas on imported fruits.
On July 15, the Ministry of Finance's inter-agency support team for public welfare visited the Dolkorea logistics center in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, alongside representatives from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), E-Mart, and Lotte Mart. They checked the storage and distribution status of imported fruits subject to tariff quotas and held a meeting with industry stakeholders.
This site visit aimed to confirm whether the extension of tariff quotas on three types of imported fruits—bananas, mangoes, and pineapples—was being properly reflected in the distribution stage and contributing to stabilizing consumer prices.
In June, the government extended the tariff quota period for these three types of imported fruits, originally set to expire on June 30, until August 15. As a result, the tariff rate for 129,000 tons of bananas, 33,500 tons of pineapples, and 18,500 tons of mangoes was reduced from 30% to 5%.
During the meeting, industry representatives raised concerns about rising import prices due to exchange rate fluctuations and decreased production in exporting countries, as well as cost burdens arising from logistics, storage, and transportation processes.
Jang Do-hwan, head of the public welfare support team, stated, "The purpose of the tariff quotas is to reduce food costs and stabilize prices for consumers. I urge you to minimize additional costs and profit margins that arise within the complex distribution structure so that the benefits of reduced tariffs can be fully passed on to the public's tables."
On July 15, the Ministry of Finance's inter-agency support team for public welfare visited the Dolkorea logistics center in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, alongside representatives from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), E-Mart, and Lotte Mart. They checked the storage and distribution status of imported fruits subject to tariff quotas and held a meeting with industry stakeholders.
This site visit aimed to confirm whether the extension of tariff quotas on three types of imported fruits—bananas, mangoes, and pineapples—was being properly reflected in the distribution stage and contributing to stabilizing consumer prices.
In June, the government extended the tariff quota period for these three types of imported fruits, originally set to expire on June 30, until August 15. As a result, the tariff rate for 129,000 tons of bananas, 33,500 tons of pineapples, and 18,500 tons of mangoes was reduced from 30% to 5%.
During the meeting, industry representatives raised concerns about rising import prices due to exchange rate fluctuations and decreased production in exporting countries, as well as cost burdens arising from logistics, storage, and transportation processes.
Jang Do-hwan, head of the public welfare support team, stated, "The purpose of the tariff quotas is to reduce food costs and stabilize prices for consumers. I urge you to minimize additional costs and profit margins that arise within the complex distribution structure so that the benefits of reduced tariffs can be fully passed on to the public's tables."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.