The move triggered a backlash from opposition politicians and farming groups, who argued that the Taiwanese government was penalising legitimate efforts to secure vital export markets.

The KMT accused Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party of prioritising ideology over livelihoods at a time when many agricultural producers were struggling with fluctuating demand and export uncertainty.

The KMT also targeted what it described as “double standards” in regard to remarks by MAC officials that Taitung’s custard apple crop – much of which goes to the mainland – was “too sweet” for Taiwanese consumers and too reliant on mainland China’s market.