TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s mahi-mahi exports reached NT$730 million (US$24 million) in 2025, up 40% from 2024, with more than 70% shipped to the US, CNA reported.
Taiwan’s mahi-mahi exports are primarily shipped as frozen fillets. The Fisheries Agency said the government is working with exporters to diversify markets, including Southeast Asia, to offset the impact of the US 20% tariff.
Fish Choice, a group that provides information on sustainable seafood, cited the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, recommending consumers avoid mahi-mahi caught in Taiwan and several Central and South American countries due to poor fisheries management and high bycatch.
In response, the agency emphasized the US government has not banned imports of Taiwanese mahi-mahi based on the recommendation.
To promote sustainable fishing and ensure the legality of seafood sources, the Ministry of Agriculture will introduce export compliance measures for mahi-mahi starting in April. The ministry also plans to work with the International Trade Administration to set up a traceability system for the fish.
Under the new rules, exporters must upload documentation to the ministry’s platform, including a fishing landing report, transaction documents and fishing logs, or a certificate from the Taiwan Mahi-Mahi Fisheries Association. Exports can only proceed after approval.
To meet US import rules requiring an eco-label or participation in a Fisheries Improvement Project, the agency partnered with Taitung’s Xingang Fishermen’s Association and local exporters to launch a mahi-mahi fisheries improvement program. Last year, the program received Comprehensive FIP recognition from the US.
Taiwan’s mahi-mahi is mainly caught at fishing ports in Taitung, Yilan, and Pingtung, with Taitung as the country’s key fishing hub. Over the past five years, Taiwan has exported around 2,300 tonnes of the fish to the US.
The agency warned that without stronger fisheries management and sustainable practices, Taiwan’s mahi-mahi exports to the US could lag behind South American competitors, which benefit from larger catches and lower shipping costs.
