US Imposes 20% Tariff on Taiwan, Negotiations Ongoing

The United States has imposed a provisional 20% tariff on most Taiwanese imports as part of a broader global trade action, with semiconductors negotiated separately. President Lai Ching-te described the tariffs as temporary and expressed hope for a more favorable outcome through ongoing negotiations. The current tariff is lower than the initially threatened 32% but remains higher than rates given to Japan and South Korea. Taiwan has pledged to boost U.S. investment and defense spending in efforts to ease the tariff impact. The government has also launched relief measures, including budget increases for small and medium enterprises affected by the tariffs. Both countries have finished technical consultations and will continue talks focused on strategic sectors, particularly semiconductors and supply chains.