The first round of the Taiwan-US tariff and trade barrier video conference is underway, with a focus on reciprocal tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and export controls.

Taiwan • Business • 04/12 03:36
The first round of the Taiwan-US tariff and trade barrier video conference is underway, with a focus on reciprocal tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and export controls.

On April 11, 2025, the trade negotiation teams from Taiwan and the United States held their first virtual meeting to discuss issues such as mutual tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and export controls. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te highlighted Taiwan's inclusion in the U.S.'s initial negotiation list and proposed starting with "zero tariffs" as a concept. Both parties agreed to begin further consultations in the near future to enhance economic and trade cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S.

Key Updates

04/12 06:39

Trump's announcement of high tariffs has led to an escalation in the US-China trade war, causing volatility in global stock markets, resulting in Taiwan's stock market experiencing its largest drop in history.

In April 2025, President Trump of the United States imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, and China retaliated by raising tariffs on American goods to 125%, escalating the U.S.-China trade war. Global stock markets were severely shaken, with Taiwan's stock market experiencing its largest single-day drop. Trump imposed a 32% tariff on Taiwanese goods, dealing a severe blow to exports, prompting the government to launch an NT$88 billion support plan. The U.S. dollar depreciated amid risk aversion, hitting new lows against the euro, yen, and Swiss franc. Taiwanese companies faced pressure to redirect orders and relocate production.

04/12 06:07

In 2025, the US-China tariff war heats up: India could be the winner, Taiwanese stocks soar, and Taiwanese businesses in Vietnam are under pressure.

In April 2025, the US-China trade war intensified as President Trump imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, and China retaliated by raising its tariffs to 125%. This move caused global market turmoil and led to a conservative outlook for the US economy. Expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut increased, which benefited long-term bonds. China initiated a plan to shift exports to domestic sales, and Taiwan's stock market rebounded thanks to the intervention of the National Stabilization Fund and favorable trade negotiations. Taiwanese businesses in Vietnam faced pressure from a 46% tariff and actively engaged in negotiations to adjust their strategies. India, with its low export dependency and flexible policies, was considered a potential beneficiary.

04/12 05:08

President Trump of the United States delays reciprocal tariffs by 90 days: begins trade talks with Taiwan and 15 other countries, with the goal of reaching 90 agreements.

On April 9, 2025, President Trump of the United States announced a 90-day pause on high reciprocal tariffs for most trade partners, excluding China, imposing only a 10% standard tariff rate. This decision was made in response to the willingness of 75 countries to negotiate. The Trump administration aims to finalize 90 trade agreements during this period, with Taiwan being part of the first round of negotiations, and a video conference with the United States set for April 11. Even though China is not on the suspension list, Trump remains optimistic about negotiating an agreement with China.

04/12 05:08

Experts: U.S. tariff policies may result in iPhones being made in the U.S., with prices possibly soaring to NT$80,000.

On April 12, 2025, the 145% reciprocal tariff policy promoted by President Trump of the United States posed a significant challenge to Apple Inc. Oliver, an economist at AMP in Australia, pointed out that if Apple moves its iPhone production line back to the U.S., the price could skyrocket to $2,519. This policy pressures Apple to restructure its supply chain and could potentially cut its annual profit by $40 billion. Economists warn that the risk of a U.S. recession has increased to 45%. Apple is taking steps to address this, such as expanding production in India and offering installment plans.

04/12 04:38

First Round of Taiwan-US Tariff Negotiations Begins: Taiwan as the Initial Focus, Focusing on Economic and Trade Barriers and Export Controls

On April 11, 2025, Taiwan and the United States commenced the first round of tariff negotiations via video conference, discussing issues such as reciprocal tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers, and export controls. The Taiwanese team was led by Executive Yuan Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun (Lily Cheng) and Chief Negotiator Jenny Yang. Taiwan, along with Israel, was included in the first wave of negotiations by the U.S., indicating the U.S.'s acknowledgment of Taiwan's strategic importance. Both parties will continue negotiations during the 90-day tariff suspension period, with the aim of establishing a strong economic and trade relationship between Taiwan and the U.S.

04/12 03:36

The first round of the Taiwan-US tariff and trade barrier video conference is underway, with a focus on reciprocal tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and export controls.

On April 11, 2025, the trade negotiation teams from Taiwan and the United States held their first virtual meeting to discuss issues such as mutual tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and export controls. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te highlighted Taiwan's inclusion in the U.S.'s initial negotiation list and proposed starting with "zero tariffs" as a concept. Both parties agreed to begin further consultations in the near future to enhance economic and trade cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S.

04/12 03:36

Trump's tariff policy causes an 11.2% increase in March car sales, experts warn of the risks of panic buying, Wall Street executives express opposition.

At the beginning of April, President Trump initiated a high tariff policy on imported goods, resulting in an 11.2% increase in car sales in March as consumers bought goods in advance to avoid price hikes. Experts warn that this panic buying might put pressure on household finances. Many financial leaders on Wall Street oppose the tariff policy, worrying it could slow down economic growth and trigger market volatility. Under pressure, the Trump administration has postponed the implementation of some tariffs, but the 25% tariff on goods such as cars has already taken effect, putting pressure on consumers and businesses as they face rising costs.

04/12 02:40

US-China Trade War Intensifies: Tesla Stops Selling Imported Models, Sharp Decline in Cargo Ship Bookings Disrupts the Supply Chain

The intensification of the US-China tariff war is impacting the automotive and shipping industries. Tesla in China has stopped accepting new orders for US-manufactured Model S and Model X cars and is only selling existing inventory. Shipping bookings from Chinese ports to the US have sharply decreased, with nearly no ships departing from Shanghai to the US. US ports are congested, leaving thousands of imported cars stranded, and some car manufacturers are delaying shipments to manage tariff uncertainties. This trade conflict is reshaping the operations of global automotive and logistics supply chains.

04/12 02:40

US-China Tariff War Escalates: Trump Slaps 145% Tariffs on Chinese Goods, Taiwanese Manufacturers Face Rush Orders and Pressure to Lower Prices

The US-China trade war is escalating. On April 9, President Trump announced a 145% tariff on Chinese goods and a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs for 75 other countries, imposing only a 10% base tax rate. This move has caused shocks in the global supply chain, with Taiwanese manufacturers receiving a large number of urgent orders but facing pressure to reduce prices. Air freight space is fully booked, and demand for sea freight has surged, keeping logistics providers busy handling the rush. This article analyzes the impact of tariff policies on Taiwanese industries and the global logistics market.

04/12 01:08

US customs system malfunction impacts importers; Navarro urges market confidence as the Trump administration's tariff policy is facing challenges.

On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's customs declaration system malfunctioned, preventing importers from using duty exemption codes, affecting goods from multiple countries and products from China subject to high tariffs. This issue occurred during the period when the Trump administration's new tariff policy was being implemented, exacerbating supply chain disruptions. White House trade advisor Peter Navarro urged investors to enter the market, stating that the tax cut plan and trade agreements would boost a stock market recovery.

First Round of Taiwan-US Talks Focuses on Three Major Issues

According to a statement released by the Executive Yuan's Office of Trade Negotiations on April 12, Taiwan and the US completed their first round of virtual meetings on April 11. The meeting covered three core issues:

  1. Reciprocal Tariffs: In response to the US's recent reciprocal tariff policies on multiple countries, Taiwan proposed starting negotiations from a "zero tariff" starting point and did not take retaliatory measures. The US maintained a temporary 10% tariff on Taiwan and postponed further increases for 90 days.

  2. Non-Tariff Barriers: The two sides discussed issues including technical trade barriers, animal and plant health quarantine measures, intellectual property protection, and restrictions on services and investment. These topics also reflect concerns raised by the US Trade Representative (USTR) in its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Taiwan.

  3. Export Controls: The sensitivity of high-tech product exports and strict requirements on the origin of products were another focus of the meeting. Taiwan committed to strengthening country of origin management to ensure exported products meet US standards.

Taiwan's Position and Negotiation Strategy

President Lai Ching-te publicly stated on the eve of the meeting that Taiwan has been included in the US's first round of tariff negotiations and emphasized that the government will promote the upgrade of Taiwan-US economic and trade relations based on the principles of "non-retaliation and active negotiation." He noted that Taiwan is willing to expand procurement and investment in the US and aims to establish a mutually beneficial trade framework starting from "zero tariffs," referencing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Additionally, President Lai mentioned in a discussion with representatives from the machinery industry that the US has reduced tariffs on some Taiwanese products from 32% to 10%, indicating initial results from bilateral communication. He emphasized that the government will continue to promote the concept of a "Taiwan Investment in the US Team," combining US market, technology, and capital advantages to strengthen the global supply chain layout.

US Response and Negotiation Progress

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed in an interview with Fox News on April 11 that tariff discussions were held with representatives from Taiwan and Israel that day. He stated that the negotiations are "progressing well" and revealed that more than 15 countries have submitted tariff agreement proposals to the US.

According to a Reuters report, the focus of the US negotiations includes tariff adjustment mechanisms and principles of market reciprocity. Although the US Trade Representative's office has not disclosed meeting details, Taiwan stated that a communication mechanism has been established, and negotiations will continue over the next 90 days to achieve concrete results.

Future Negotiation Directions and Extended Issues

Based on current information, future Taiwan-US negotiations will extend to the following directions:

  • Expanding Bilateral Procurement and Investment: Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, stated that Taiwan is expected to increase imports of US goods by more than $200 billion over the next decade, particularly in the energy sector.

  • Strengthening Origin Management and Preventing Origin Washing: In response to the US's strict requirements on product origin, the Taiwanese government will enhance the traceability and management mechanisms of export product origins to prevent illegal transshipment.

  • Industry Support and Complementary Policies: The Executive Yuan has proposed an NT$88 billion "Export Supply Chain Support Program," covering 20 measures including trade financing, R&D subsidies, and cold chain construction, and plans to submit a draft of a special ordinance for review at the Executive Yuan meeting on April 17.

  • Eliminating Technical and Service Trade Barriers: Future negotiations will also cover intellectual property rights, digital trade, and service market opening issues to further promote bilateral economic integration.

References

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