WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
25 June 2010 
 (10-3503) 
Working Party on State Trading Enterprises Original:   English 
  
 
STATE TRADING 
 
New and Full Notification Pursuant to Article XVII:4(a) of the 
 
GATT 1994 and Paragraph 1 of  the Understanding on  
the Interpretation of Article XVII  
 
SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN,  
PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU 
  
 The following communication, dated 18 June 2010,  is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of the Separate Customs Territory  of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.   
 
_______________ 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
Page
 
I. RICE ........................................................................................................................... ...............2  
II. BANKNOTE PAPER ...............................................................................................................4  
III. TRADE .......................................................................................................................... ............5  
 G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
Page 2  
 
  I. RICE 
A. E
NUMERATION OF STATE TRADING ENTERPRISES  
1. Identification of state trading enterprises 
 
 Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of Agriculture  (hereinafter referred to as the "AFA").   
 
2. Description of products affected (includi ng tariff item number(s) encompassed in 
product description) 
 
Rice 
 
Products HS Number 
Rice in the husk 1006.10.00.00 
Husked (brown) rice 1006.20.00.00 
Glutinous rice 1006.30.00.10 
Other semi-milled or wholly-milled rice, whether or not 
polished or glazed 1006.30.00.90 
Broken rice 1006.40.00.00 
 
B. REASON AND PURPOSE  
1. Reason or purpose for establishing and/ or maintaining state trading enterprise 
 
Rice is the staple food and the most important  crop in the Separate Customs Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.  The go vernment regulates the production, purchasing, 
warehousing, export and import of rice to ensure food  security, market stability and the security of the 
income of farmers.  
2. Summary of legal basis for granting the relevan t exclusive or special rights or privileges, 
including legal provisions and summary of statutory or constitutional powers 
 
 Food Administration Act.    C. D
ESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE TRADING ENTERPRISES  
 
1. Summary statement providing overview of op erations of the state trading enterprise 
 
The rice production in the Separate Customs Te rritory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu 
is to maintain self-sufficiency.  To ensure a stab le food supply and maintain the income of farmers, 
the AFA purchases a proportion of the rice paddies owned by farmers to serve as food security stock.  
Most of the rice produced enters the market freely.   
 
The AFA imports rice to ensure the smooth ope ration of the supply and demand, and price 
stabilization system.  The quota on imported rice is  set according to the minimum access opportunities 
in line with the TRQ notification to the WTO of the Separate Customs Terr itory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu.   
  Rice importation is subject to both country- specific-quotas (STE) and global quota, and is 
conducted through open bidding.     G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
 Page 3 
 
 
  2. Specification of exclusive or special rights or privileges enjoyed by the state trading 
enterprise 
 
The AFA is in charge of the agricultural polic y and administration, food security and staple 
food price stabilization.  According to the commitme nts made by the Separate Customs Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu for its TRQ notif ication to the WTO, in addition to importation 
by private sector traders, the AFA retains the ex clusive right to import certain amounts of rice. 
 
3. Type of entities other than the state tradin g enterprise that are allowed to engage in 
importation/exportation and conditions for participation 
 
 Food dealers who are registered importers can participate in the allocation of rice quotas for private imports.    
4. How import/export levels are established by the state trading enterprise 
 
 The AFA will import 65 per cent of the rice tariff quota.  Rice importation by the AFA is 
conducted according to commitments made during the course of accession to the WTO.    
5. How export prices are determined 
  None.   
 
6. How the resale prices of imported products are determined 
 
 The resale prices are determined on the basis of their import prices, management costs, 
domestic consumer prices of competing products and other economic factors.   
 
7. Whether long-term contracts are negotiated by  the state trading enterprise.  Whether 
the state trading enterprise is used to fulfil contractual obligations entered into by the 
government 
  The AFA makes no long-term contracts for rice importation.  The opportunities are provided 
to all qualified importers.    
8. Brief description of market structure 
  Farmers and traders are free to sell their products in the market.  The price of rice is 
determined by market forces.   
 
D. S
TATISTICAL INFORMATION  
  (See attached Tables I-III on Rice) 
 
E. R
EASON WHY NO FOREIGN TRADE HAS TAKEN PLACE  
  Not applicable.    
F. A
DDITIONAL INFORMATION  
  None.    G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
Page 4  
 
  II. BANKNOTE PAPER 
A. E
NUMERATION OF STATE TRADING ENTERPRISES  
1.  Identification of state trading enterprises 
 
 Central Engraving and Printing Plant (CEPP).   
 
2. Description of products affected (includi ng tariff item number(s) encompassed in 
product description) 
 
 Banknote paper (4802100020-6, 4802699010-9, 4802691010-6).   
 
B. REASON AND PURPOSE  
 
1. Reason or purpose for establishing and/ or maintaining state trading enterprise 
  The purpose for maintaining this state trading enterprise is to stabilize financial markets and 
to prevent counterfeiting through the use of banknote paper.    
2. Summary of legal basis for granting the relevan t exclusive or special rights or privileges, 
including legal provisions and summary of statutory or constitutional powers 
 
The sole right of printing currency is stipulat ed in Article 13 of the Central Bank of China 
Act.  The sole importer of banknote paper is stipulated in Code 343 of Tariff Code.   
 C. D
ESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE TRADING ENTERPRISES  
 1. Summary statement providing overview of op erations of the state trading enterprise 
 
 The CEPP was established by the Central Bank of China, and is solely responsible for 
printing currency.    
2. Specification of exclusive or special rights or privileges enjoyed by the state trading 
enterprise 
 
 The CEPP has exclusive rights to print currency and to import banknote paper.    
3. Type of entities other than the state tradin g enterprise that are allowed to engage in 
importation/exportation and conditions for participation 
 
 No other entities are allowed to import banknote paper.    
4. How import/export levels are established by the state trading enterprise 
  The quantities imported are determined by the actual domestic need.   
 
5. How export prices are determined 
 
 The CEPP does not produce banknote paper for export.    G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
 Page 5 
 
 
  6. How the resale prices of imported products are determined 
 The CEPP does not resell imported banknote paper.   
 D. S
TATISTICAL INFORMATION  
 
 (See attached Tables IV on Banknote).   
 E. R
EASON WHY NO FOREIGN TRADE HAS TAKEN PLACE  
  Not applicable.   
 
F. A
DDITIONAL INFORMATION  
  None.    III. TRADE 
A. E
NUMERATION OF STATE TRADING ENTERPRISES  
1. Identification of state trading enterprises 
 
 Bank of Taiwan (hereinafter referred to as the BOT).    2. Description of products affected (includi ng tariff item number(s) encompassed in 
product description) 
 
 Sixteen items of agricultural products which are subject to tariff ra te quota (hereinafter 
referred to as TRQ products):  deer velvet, fresh p ears (excluding European pears), banana, red beans, 
liquid milk, peanuts, garlic bulbs, dried shiitake, dried day lily, young coconut, betel nuts, pineapples, 
mangoes, pomelos, dried longans and longan pulp, a nd rice (including rice products).  For the tariff 
item numbers of specific products, see the attachment.    B. R
EASON AND PURPOSE  
 1. Reason or purpose for establishing and/ or maintaining state trading enterprise 
 
 BOT emerged with Central Trust of China (C TC) on 1 July 2007 and consequently succeeded 
to CTC's operations entrusted by the Ministry of Fina nce (MOF) to administer the allocation of TRQ.   
 2. Summary of legal basis for granting the relevan t exclusive or special rights or privileges, 
including legal provisions and summary of statutory or constitutional powers 
 
 Rules Governing the Implementation of Tariff Quotas.    C. D
ESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE TRADING ENTERPRISES  
 
1. Summary statement providing overview of op erations of the state trading enterprise 
 
 The BOT is entrusted by the MOF to administ er the allocation of tariff rate quota (TRQ) for 
16 items of agricultural products as enumerated in  Section I-B of the Schedule of Concessions and 
Commitments on Goods.   
 G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
Page 6  
 
  Rice and rice products have been subject to TRQ since 2003.   
 
2. Specification of exclusive or special rights or privileges enjoyed by the state trading 
enterprise 
  The BOT is entrusted by the MOF to administ er the allocation of TRQs for 16 agricultural 
products.  This includes the allocation of tariff quotas  and the issuance of tariff quota certificates.  The 
certificates serve as import licences.  All commercial terms of trade, including product specifications, 
origin, pricing and packaging, are at the sole discretion of the parties engaged in the transaction.  
Moreover, all products imported unde r the tariff rate quota should be distributed freely within the 
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu without further trade-based 
restrictions.    
3. Type of entities other than the state tradin g enterprise that are allowed to engage in 
importation/exportation and conditions for participation 
 
- Fifteen items of TRQ products, excluding rice and rice products:  Any enterprise 
registered as an importer/exporter in th e Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu is eligible to apply for a certificate under each quota 
allocation system.   
- Rice and rice products:  Any enterprise re gistered as an importer/exporter and food 
dealer in the Separate Customs Territory  of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu is 
eligible to apply for a certificate under the quota allocation system.   
 
4. How import/export levels are established by the state trading enterprise 
  The quantity imported is determined by  the demand of the domestic market.   
 
5. How export prices are determined 
 
 This item is not applicable to the BOT.    6. How the resale prices of imported products are determined 
 
 The resale prices are determined by importers subject to market forces.    
7. Whether long-term contracts are negotiated by  the state trading enterprise.  Whether 
the state trading enterprise is used to fulfil contractual obligations entered into by the 
government 
 
 There are no long-term contracts for TRQ products (including rice quotas).    
8. Brief description of market structure 
 
 Farmers and traders are free to sell their produc ts in the market.  The price is determined by 
market forces.    D. S
TATISTICAL INFORMATION  
 
 Not available.  G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
 Page 7 
 
 
  E. REASON WHY NO FOREIGN TRADE HAS TAKEN PLACE  
 Not applicable. 
 F. A
DDITIONAL INFORMATION  
 
 None.   
  
  G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
Page 8 TABLE I 
 
STATE TRADING:  Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 
 
Description of 
product(s) (includin g HS 
number(s)) Total quantity 
imported 
(1000 Mt) Quantity imported by 
state trading enterprise
(1000 Mt) Average import price Avera ge representative 
domestic sales price Mark-up National production 
(brown rice) 
(1000 Mt) 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
2006 133.5 112    1,261.8 
2007 161.6 92    1,098.3 Rice 
2008 122.0 55    1,178.2 
 
TABLE II 
 
STATE TRADING:  Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS  
 
Description of 
product(s) (includin g HS 
number(s)) Total quantity 
exported 
(1000 Mt) Quantity exported by 
state trading enterprise
(1000 Mt) Average procurement 
price Avera ge representative 
domestic sales price Averages export priceNational production 
(brown rice) 
(1000 Mt) 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
2006 47.3 0    1,261.8 
2007 53.6 0    1,098.3 Rice 
2008 66.1 0    1,178.2 
 
TABLE III 
 
STATE TRADING:  Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES 
 
Description of product(s) 
(including HS number(s)) Domestic purchases by state 
trading enterprise 
(paddies) 
(1000 Mt) National production 
(brown rice) 
(1000 Mt) Domestic sales by state trading 
enterprise 
(brown rice) 
(1000 Mt) National supply 
(brown rice) 
(1000 Mt) 
1 2 3 4 5 
2006 246 1,261.8 308 1,315.9 
2007 216 1,098.3 337 1,304.5 Rice 
2008 205 1,178.2 314 1,316.6 
  
   G/STR/N/13/TPKM
 Page 9TABLE IV 
 
STATE TRADING:  Central Engraving and Printing Plant 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 
 
unit:  ream 
Description of 
product(s) (includin g HS 
number(s)) Total quantity 
imported Quantity imported by 
state trading enterpriseAverage import price Avera ge representative 
domestic sales price Mark-up National production 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
2007 65,816 65,816    0 
2008 65,448 65,448    0 Banknote Paper 
(4802) 2009 55,204 55,204    0 
 
 G/STR/N/13/TPKM 
Page 10  
 
   
TRQ Products Tariff Item Number 
Deer velvet 05079020 
Fresh pears (excluding 
European pears) 08082019 
Bananas 08030000 
Red bean 07102910, 07133200, 11061010, 2004901 0, 20060011, 20055110, 20060025, 
20055910, 20060025, 21069097 
Liquid milk 04011010, 04012010, 04013010, 0401102 0, 04012020, 04013020, 04029910, 
04029920, 04029992, 04039059, 0403902 9, 04039090, 04039040, 18069053, 
19019025, 18069055, 19019027 
Peanuts 12021000, 20081111, 20081191, 1202200 0, 20081112, 20081192, 20081942, 
12089011, 12089021, 15081000, 15089000 
Garlic bulbs 07032010, 07032090, 07129040 
Dried shiitake 07123920 
Dried day lily 07129050 
Young coconut 08011900 
Betel nuts 08029030 
Pineapples 08043000 
Mangoes 08045020 
Pomelos 08054020 
Dried longans and longan 
Pulp 08134010 
Rice and Rice Products 10061000, 10062000, 10063000, 1006400 0, 11029011, 11029019, 11031930, 
11032010, 11041910, 11042920, 1108191 0, 18069071, 19023020, 19041020, 
19042011, 19042021, 19021110, 1902191 0, 19022010, 18069061, 19049010, 
18069092, 19019091, 21069098 
 
 
 
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