A Taiwanese fruit grower who refused to sell into the Chinese market received a stream of inquiries and orders. After the news spread, online stock was reported to have sold out quickly.

China has long been the main export market for a considerable share of Taiwan's farm produce. Observers have repeatedly noted that concentrating volume in one market weakens bargaining power and leaves total earnings exposed to outside factors such as changes in customs standards.

The case shows that voluntary purchasing by consumers can absorb a certain volume in a short time. Others point out that one farm's output and the volume of an entire industry are on different scales.

Many in the sector argue that expanding domestic demand and diversifying exports must go together. Opening up markets in Japan, Southeast Asia and the Middle East is offered as an alternative, though refrigerated logistics and quarantine procedures remain the hurdles.

Processing is also raised as an option. Converting fruit that cannot be sold fresh into juice or dried products can absorb part of the shock from price swings.

Debate continues over the direction of government support, between those who see a need for short-term purchasing and subsidies and those who argue for long-term investment in cultivars and logistics infrastructure.