Taiwan scraps tariffs on malt and hops to boost local brewers
Taiwan has approved plans to remove import tariffs on malt and hops in a bid to cut costs for domestic beer producers and strengthen the competitiveness of the local brewing industry.
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Customs Import Tariff Act eliminating duties on key brewing ingredients that are largely imported.
Under the changes, the current 7.5% tariff on both roasted and unroasted malt will be eliminated. Import duties on hop, including ground, unground, pelletised forms and hop extracts, will also be scrapped, down from respective rates of 15% and 7.5%.
In a written report, the Ministry of Finance projected that the tariff cuts would reduce customs revenue by NT$74.35m (US$2.35m). However, it said increased competitiveness and stronger demand for locally produced beer could generate an additional NT$169.74m in tax revenue, resulting in a net fiscal gain of NT$95.39m.
Partner Content
Lifting up local brewers
The amendments were jointly reviewed by the Legislative Yuan’s Finance Committee in December 2025, following a proposal by Kuomintang legislator Lin Szu-ming, with support from lawmakers across party lines.
Supporters of the measure said local brewers have long faced higher production costs when competing with foreign beer brands that benefit from lower prices and tariff advantages.
The legislators said the amendments would support local breweries to thrive in the long term.
The Ministry of Agriculture said malt barley and hops used in brewing are mainly imported due to the lack of sufficient economic scale in domestic production, adding that it respected the decisions of relevant authorities on the tariff reductions.
Related news
You can now buy a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired beer
Heineken named 'most admired' company’ in the UK drinks sector
