TAIPEI: Taiwan's Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun announced on Thursday that the ministry is preparing to launch an anti-dumping investigation into low-priced Chinese beer imports, following concerns raised about their impact on the local market.

According to Focus Taiwan, Minister Chuang addressed the issue during a hearing before the Legislature's Finance Committee. She confirmed that the Taiwan Brewers Association had submitted an application for an investigation into the matter. The minister assured lawmakers that the ministry would initiate the inquiry within 30 days of receiving the application, during which an interagency tariff commission would be convened to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Taiwan Brewers Association, formed in 2024, includes prominent breweries such as Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corp. (TTL), Heineken Taiwan, Taihu Brewing, Zhangmen Brewery, and King Car Group. The association's concerns highlight the competitive pressures facing domestic brewers due to the influx of cheaper Chinese beer, which could potentially disrupt Taiwan's beer market.

During the same legislative session, TTL Chairman Tang Chi-an announced that the price of rice cooking wine, categorized as a consumer staple rather than an alcoholic beverage, would remain frozen through 2026. Tang acknowledged that maintaining the current price of red-label rice cooking wine would lead to an annual loss of approximately NT$500 million (US$15.2 million). However, he assured the committee that TTL would explore alternative strategies to offset these financial losses.

The investigation into Chinese beer imports and the decision to freeze rice cooking wine prices underscore the government's efforts to safeguard Taiwan's local industries while addressing potential economic challenges posed by international trade dynamics.