Little Highlights Idaho’s Relationship With Taiwan, Japan

Last week, Idaho Governor Brad Little returned from what he called a productive seven-day trade mission to Taiwan and Japan.  The Idaho State Department of Agriculture, along with the state Department of Commerce, and 22 Idaho businesses and organizations joined Governor Little for his fourth official in-person trade mission as Governor.

“We celebrated the 40th anniversary of our long relationship with Taiwan," Little noted.  "These trade missions are one of the highlights of my job, where I get to take commodity groups and businesses and show their wares around the world.  It's  made a difference. You can talk to many of the people have been on our trade missions and it makes a big difference.”

Taiwan is Idaho’s second largest export market.  In 2023, $504 million worth of Idaho goods were shipped to Taiwan. The trade mission to Taiwan focused on reaffirming and celebrating Idaho's strong 40-year partnership with Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Japan is Idaho’s fourth largest trading partner.  And ISDA director Chanel Tewalt hopes the amount of Ag bound for Japan increases in coming years.

"What we heard over and over again is a desire from Japanese side as well to be able to bring in Idaho potatoes, Idaho dairy, Idaho beef," Tewalt said.  "They are all recognized globally as the best in the world....We have the most advanced industry in the world, the most advanced potato processing, the most advanced dairy processing, we have the newest beef plant in the entire country.  If you are looking for premium agricultural commodities, Ag in Idaho is where you need to be.”

When it came to the topic of fresh potatoes in Japan, which has been a sticking point for years, Tewalt said the interest and momentum shown by Japanese leadership is very encouraging.

Idaho reopened the part-time trade office in Japan on July 1st of this year.

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