Exports of agricultural produce and processed goods, above all to Japan, formed the foundation of Taiwan's agriculture-based economy in that period. In 1957, cane sugar alone accounted for over 60 % of the total value of Taiwan exports.
以日本為主要市場的農產品及加工品外銷，奠定了台灣早年的農業經濟基礎；民國四十六年，蔗糖一度高佔台灣總出口金額的六成以上。