Épisodes

  • US Tariffs Hit Taiwan Hard: Trade Tensions Rise as Trump Administration Implements Reciprocal 32% Duty on Taiwanese Goods

    US Tariffs Hit Taiwan Hard: Trade Tensions Rise as Trump Administration Implements Reciprocal 32% Duty on Taiwanese Goods
    Jul 11 2025
    Welcome to Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Today is July 11, 2025, and we're bringing listeners the latest on US tariffs, the Trump administration’s trade moves, and their impact on Taiwan.

    In a dramatic escalation over recent months, President Donald Trump’s administration has ramped up US tariffs to the highest levels seen in more than a century. Since January, the average US tariff rate has soared from 2.5% to an estimated 27%, with targeted increases for dozens of trading partners. For Taiwan, the headline is a new “reciprocal tariff” rate of 32% on most Taiwanese goods announced on April 2—though crucially, semiconductors, Taiwan’s biggest export, are excluded from this hike.

    Trump defended the tariffs as a way to boost American manufacturing and address what he views as dangerous trade deficits. However, the move was met with fierce criticism from both economists and the Taiwanese government, which labeled the tariffs “unreasonable.” In response, Taiwan chose negotiation over retaliation and offered to expand imports from the US while scrapping all tariffs on American products, aiming to keep trade flowing and maintain good relations.

    Pressure is mounting inside Taiwan as these tariffs spark anxiety about economic stability and US support. The opposition Kuomintang party blasted President Lai Ching-te’s strategy of relying on Washington to counter Beijing, calling the tariffs a heavy blow. The Taiwanese government has responded with urgency, unveiling an NT$88 billion relief plan to stabilize industries and urging collaboration between all branches of government.

    On the business side, Taiwan’s machine tool exporters are particularly nervous. With the US confirming 25% reciprocal tariffs for Japan and South Korea while Taiwan’s final status stays unclear, uncertainty is clouding the sector as the US remains its largest export market. Meanwhile, industry groups in Taiwan see even a 15% to 20% tariff as comparatively favorable—lower than what other East Asian competitors face—and are lobbying for clear communication and quick negotiation with US officials.

    There’s also a regional shift. According to analysts at Goldman Sachs, North Asian economies like Taiwan are most exposed to these US tariff moves, while Southeast Asia might benefit as American companies look to diversify supply chains out of China. Some Taiwanese tech giants, such as TSMC and Foxconn, are already investing in manufacturing elsewhere to navigate these uncertainties—and Taiwan’s foreign minister is currently visiting Texas to strengthen trade ties and demonstrate goodwill by pledging new US purchases.

    Negotiations are ongoing, with two rounds already completed and more expected before the latest August 1 tariff implementation deadline. The hope is for a resolution that supports stability for both US and Taiwanese businesses and avoids further shocks to the regional economy.

    Thanks for tuning in to Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 min
  • Taiwan Braces for Massive US Tariffs: Semiconductor Exports Spared as Negotiations Intensify in High-Stakes Trade Showdown

    Taiwan Braces for Massive US Tariffs: Semiconductor Exports Spared as Negotiations Intensify in High-Stakes Trade Showdown
    Jul 9 2025
    Welcome to Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker, your latest update on everything shaping US-Taiwan trade under the Trump administration.

    As of today, the global tariff landscape has reached new heights not seen in over a century. The average US tariff rate soared from 2.5% to an estimated 27% in the first half of 2025, according to Wikipedia’s overview of the second Trump administration. In early April, President Trump specifically announced a sweeping 32% “reciprocal tariff” on Taiwanese goods. In a notable carve-out, Taiwan’s critical semiconductor exports remain exempt—a move that underscores both the economic stakes and the strategic complexity of US-Taiwan relations. Trump had earlier accused Taiwan of underinvesting in its defense and gaining an “unfair dominance” in semiconductor markets.

    Taiwanese leaders denounced the tariffs as unreasonable but opted not to retaliate. Instead, Taiwan offered to boost imports from the US and drop all tariffs on American goods, trying not to escalate the situation. The political fallout at home has been immediate. Opposition parties criticized the government’s reliance on Washington and called out what they see as unpreparedness. Premier Cho Jung-tai quickly convened a cross-party legislative meeting and announced an NT$88 billion plan aimed at stabilizing the economy and supporting affected industries.

    Negotiations are ongoing. The Taipei Times reports that while the US issued formal tariff notices to 14 countries on Monday—including close US allies like Japan and South Korea—Taiwan did not receive such a notice. This has fueled speculation that talks are progressing positively for Taipei. Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun and Minister Without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni are leading negotiations in Washington. President William Lai recently held a late-night videoconference with the negotiating team, reaffirming that protecting national interest, public health, and food security remains the top priority.

    The 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs expires August 1, and 14 countries will see tariff rates between 25% and 40% kick in if no deals are reached, according to DigiTimes. For Taiwan, the current absence of a notification letter signals cautious optimism, as noted by The Straits Times.

    Trump’s approach marks a sharp pivot from previous administrations, with less emphasis on ideology and more on transactional “America First” demands. Washington is pressuring major Taiwanese companies—especially semiconductor giants like TSMC—to accelerate US-based investment and adjust trade balances by importing more American products, as analyzed by China-US Focus.

    Taiwan’s ability to navigate these demands without receiving the most severe tariff treatment depends on the success of ongoing talks. The outcome will shape not just the Taiwanese economy but also its broader strategic posture in the region.

    Thanks for tuning in to Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 min
  • Taiwan Faces 32% US Tariffs as Trade Negotiations Continue Amid Shifting Global Economic Landscape

    Taiwan Faces 32% US Tariffs as Trade Negotiations Continue Amid Shifting Global Economic Landscape
    Jul 8 2025
    Hello and welcome to "Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker." Today, we're focusing on the recent developments in tariff policies involving the United States and Taiwan. As of July 8, 2025, a significant deadline has passed for several countries, including Taiwan, regarding new tariffs imposed by the U.S. under President Trump's administration.

    Taiwan, along with other countries such as Switzerland, Thailand, and Tunisia, has seen a delay in the implementation of reciprocal tariffs until August 1, 2025. These tariffs are part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to address trade imbalances and protect American industries. According to reports, Taiwan is facing a tariff rate of 32% for all products, with specific exceptions to be detailed later.

    The U.S. has been actively engaging with various countries to negotiate trade agreements, and Taiwan is no exception. As reported, Taiwan is still in talks with the U.S. following its exclusion from Trump's new tariff list. This exclusion suggests that there are ongoing negotiations possibly aimed at reducing or eliminating these tariffs if agreements can be reached before the August deadline.

    The situation is particularly sensitive for Taiwan, given its strategic economic position and the political implications of such tariffs. The U.S. has been ramping up its tariff announcements, with significant increases for major trading partners like Japan and South Korea, which have been hit with 25% tariffs. Other countries face even higher rates, up to 40%.

    As we move closer to the August 1 deadline, listeners can expect further developments in trade policies affecting Taiwan and other nations. The U.S. government's approach to tariffs is dynamic and influenced by ongoing negotiations and political considerations.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker." Don't forget to subscribe for the latest updates on tariff news and more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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    2 min
  • US Taiwan Trade Tensions Escalate: 32% Tariff Looms as Negotiations Stall and July Deadline Approaches

    US Taiwan Trade Tensions Escalate: 32% Tariff Looms as Negotiations Stall and July Deadline Approaches
    Jul 7 2025
    Welcome to "Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker." Today, we're discussing the latest developments in U.S.-Taiwan trade relations, particularly focusing on the recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

    In April 2025, the U.S. announced a significant increase in tariffs, with a 32% "reciprocal tariff" on Taiwanese goods, excluding semiconductors, which are crucial to Taiwan's economy. However, this tariff was later paused for 90 days, reduced to a baseline 10% rate, effective April 10, 2025. This pause is set to expire on July 9, 2025, potentially leading to a 32% tariff unless a deal is reached or an extension is granted. Taiwan's government has chosen not to retaliate, instead focusing on increasing U.S. imports and removing tariffs on American goods.

    The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan has urged the U.S. to cancel these tariffs, calling for further negotiations. Two rounds of U.S.-Taiwanese trade negotiations have concluded, with the second round ending on June 26, 2025. Despite these efforts, Taiwan faces significant economic uncertainty due to these trade policies, which could impact its manufacturing sector and GDP growth.

    Taiwan's economic situation is further complicated by its exclusion from key regional trade blocs, making it vulnerable in a rapidly changing global supply chain landscape. The U.S. strategy of targeting countries with large trade surpluses, such as Taiwan, places it at a disadvantage compared to competitors like Japan and South Korea.

    As the July 9 deadline approaches, Taiwan's trade negotiators face an uphill battle in securing favorable trade terms with the U.S. The Trump administration's goals seem focused on maximizing U.S. benefits, potentially at the expense of trading partners.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker." Don't forget to subscribe for more updates on U.S.-Taiwan trade developments.

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    2 min
  • Taiwan Faces Critical Trade Deadline with US as Trump Tariffs Threaten Economic Growth and Market Stability

    Taiwan Faces Critical Trade Deadline with US as Trump Tariffs Threaten Economic Growth and Market Stability
    Jul 6 2025
    Listeners, welcome back to Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Today’s update comes as Taiwan faces a volatile trade relationship with the United States under President Trump’s current administration. Since April, the US has imposed sweeping trade barriers, and all eyes are on what happens when the 90-day tariff pause expires July 9.

    On April 2, President Trump announced a dramatic 32 percent reciprocal tariff on virtually all imports from Taiwan. Though this measure specifically exempted Taiwan’s critical semiconductors, the initial announcement sent shockwaves through global markets and hammered Taiwan’s stock prices. Bloomberg Opinion recently ran an op-ed by Taiwan’s President William Lai, pushing for deeper and fairer trade ties, but the Trump administration’s intentions remain ambiguous. According to reporting from the Global Taiwan Institute, Taiwan is among the first countries the Trump team is negotiating with, but US demands are strict and seem aimed at maximizing American advantage.

    Just a week after the 32 percent tariff was announced, Trump lowered the rate to 10 percent for a 90-day negotiation window, which ends this week. The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan and several major US business groups have since urged Washington to scrap these import taxes. Taiwan’s government, led by Premier Cho Jung-tai, has already prepared an NT$88 billion plan to stabilize the economy and support affected sectors. These tariffs are widely seen as a severe test for President Lai’s strategy of relying on closer US ties to counterbalance China.

    The uncertainty is immense. The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research now forecasts Taiwan’s 2025 growth could sag to just 1.66 percent if US tariff rates rise above 10 percent, and potentially fall below 1 percent if tariffs go higher or if there’s a global downturn. Experts from Focus Taiwan warn the duty could increase to at least 15 percent after the pause ends, and that would still be considered a positive outcome by some policymakers. If tariffs return to 32 percent, the manufacturing sector could shrink by around 5 percent, based on projections from the National Development Council.

    For now, almost all Taiwanese goods entering the US are subject to the 10 percent reciprocal tariff, except those specifically exempted, such as computers, cell phones, and semiconductors. But unless a new deal is struck or another extension is announced before July 9, that rate is set to leap back to 32 percent, placing Taiwan among the countries facing the steepest US tariff rates worldwide—alongside only China and a select group targeted for punitive rates.

    Trade negotiators in Taipei are hoping for a tailored deal, but American policy is unpredictable. Trump’s stated goal is to push more manufacturing back to the US, and that means high tariffs are here to stay unless major concessions are made. As always, we will continue to track whether Taiwan can secure a more favorable deal before the deadline.

    Thanks for tuning in to Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 min
  • US Imposes Significant Tariffs on Taiwan Threatening Economic Growth and Trade Relations in 2024

    US Imposes Significant Tariffs on Taiwan Threatening Economic Growth and Trade Relations in 2024
    Jul 4 2025
    Listeners, welcome to Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Today’s top story centers on the latest US tariff actions under President Trump’s administration and how these evolving policies shape Taiwan’s trade landscape.

    On April 2nd this year, the Trump administration made global headlines by announcing a sweeping 32 percent tariff on almost all imports from Taiwan. The administration justified the move by citing so-called “reciprocal tariffs” aimed at rebalancing what they argue are unfair trade relationships. Notably, Taiwan was excluded from the first rounds of US tariffs earlier in the decade, but its growing trade surplus with the United States – which reached 73.9 billion US dollars in 2024, the sixth largest US deficit globally – has made it a primary target for the new tariff regime.

    Following intense negotiations and global market turbulence, including major losses on Taiwan’s stock exchanges, the original 32 percent tariff was paused for 90 days and a 10 percent baseline tariff was imposed on Taiwanese imports. That 10 percent rate is currently in effect, matching the reciprocal tariffs the US has applied to most of its trading partners, except for China and Hong Kong, which face higher rates. This 90-day pause is set to expire on July 9th. If talks break down or no extension is granted, listeners should be prepared for the tariff on Taiwan to snap back to 32 percent, instantly making it one of the highest US tariff rates in the world. According to the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, this would place Taiwan among the 30 countries most affected by US trade barriers.

    Despite these tough measures, there have been some key carve-outs. Computers, smartphones, and, most importantly for Taiwan, semiconductors – which are the backbone of its export economy – have so far been exempted from these tariffs. Nonetheless, the threat of expanded tariffs on the semiconductor sector remains, keeping Taiwanese businesses and policymakers on edge.

    The uncertain environment has cast a shadow over Taiwan’s economic outlook. The Center for Economic Research in Taipei warns that, if tariffs rise even modestly above 10 percent, Taiwan’s 2025 economic growth could fall below 2 percent. Conversely, a full re-imposition of 32 percent tariffs would likely trigger a contraction in manufacturing output and significantly dampen GDP growth, possibly lowering it to near zero if the global economy slows.

    There’s also a political dimension: Taiwan’s government has voiced frustration over what it calls “unreasonable” demands from the Trump administration, choosing not to retaliate but instead offering to increase US imports and remove tariffs on American goods. With negotiations ongoing, President Lai and his cabinet are urging industry and parliament to fast-track support measures to cushion the economy.

    That’s all for today’s Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 min
  • US Tariffs Threaten Taiwan Economy: Trade Tensions Rise as Potential 32 Percent Levy Looms Over Key Semiconductor Exports

    US Tariffs Threaten Taiwan Economy: Trade Tensions Rise as Potential 32 Percent Levy Looms Over Key Semiconductor Exports
    Jun 30 2025
    Listeners, welcome to the latest episode of Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Today’s news is dominated by heightened trade tensions between the United States and Taiwan, as the Trump administration’s unpredictable tariff strategy continues to shake global markets.

    On April 2nd, President Trump announced what he called “reciprocal tariffs,” imposing a sweeping 32 percent tariff on nearly all imports from Taiwan. This move followed an earlier announcement of a 25 percent tariff on autos, auto parts, and computers from multiple countries. The tariffs on Taiwan were met with immediate concern both in Taipei and across the global business community. Only a week later, the administration temporarily dialed back the tariff to 10 percent, putting the higher rate on hold for 90 days, a window set to expire on July 9th. Notably, semiconductors—Taiwan’s signature export—were initially exempted, but the threat of future levies on this key sector remains and is a constant source of anxiety for Taiwanese industry leaders, according to Taiwan Insight.

    Taiwanese officials, including President William Lai, have taken to the international press to call for fairer trade terms and deeper bilateral ties. Yet analysts and negotiators caution that the Trump administration’s goals remain ambiguous and might result in an uneven playing field that would disproportionately benefit the United States. The administration’s protectionist stance—aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing and reshoring supply chains—has left Taiwanese businesses fearing that tariffs could remain at 10 percent or even surge to 15 or 20 percent as negotiations progress. Lien, president of Taiwan’s CIER think tank, told Focus Taiwan that even under optimistic assumptions, growth prospects for Taiwan’s economy this year have been constrained by tariff worries, with GDP growth possibly limited to 1.66 percent.

    Economic modeling and White House statements highlight the stakes: Taiwan’s trade surplus with the U.S. has ballooned to nearly $74 billion, making it a prime target for higher tariffs. The disadvantage is further exacerbated by the fact that some of Taiwan’s major competitors, such as Japan and South Korea, face lower tariff rates despite significant Taiwanese investment in U.S. manufacturing, especially in semiconductors.

    The uncertainty is hitting markets hard. Global Taiwan Institute reports that Taiwan’s stock exchanges have seen significant losses since April, and industry leaders are adopting a wait-and-see approach as the 90-day pause approaches its end. There is some hope that a tailored trade deal could be struck to avoid further escalation, but the outlook remains cloudy. Premier Cho Jung-tai has announced an NT$88 billion support plan to stabilize the economy and help industries weather the potential fallout.

    That wraps up today’s tracker on U.S.-Taiwan tariff tensions. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe for the latest headlines and insights. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 min