Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang announced measures against country of origin fraud and anti-dumping, and began trade talks with the United States.
On April 12, 2025, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) emphasized in Hsinchu City that Taiwan will initiate actions against country of origin laundering and dumping to prevent Chinese products from being illegally transshipped through Taiwan to the United States, ensuring that "Made in Taiwan" truly means "Made in Taiwan." The first round of tariff negotiations between Taiwan and the United States began on April 11, with Taiwan being among the first countries to negotiate, indicating that bilateral cooperation has reached a substantive phase. Cho Jung-tai stated that Taiwan will strengthen export controls to protect high-tech products and increase procurement from and investment in the U.S. to maintain trade balance.
Key Updates
04/12 14:39
Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang announced measures against country of origin fraud and anti-dumping, and began trade talks with the United States.
On April 12, 2025, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) emphasized in Hsinchu City that Taiwan will initiate actions against country of origin laundering and dumping to prevent Chinese products from being illegally transshipped through Taiwan to the United States, ensuring that "Made in Taiwan" truly means "Made in Taiwan." The first round of tariff negotiations between Taiwan and the United States began on April 11, with Taiwan being among the first countries to negotiate, indicating that bilateral cooperation has reached a substantive phase. Cho Jung-tai stated that Taiwan will strengthen export controls to protect high-tech products and increase procurement from and investment in the U.S. to maintain trade balance.
Taiwan Launches Anti-Origin Washing and Anti-Dumping Actions
Premier Cho Jung-tai stated in several public events that the Taiwanese government has officially launched anti-origin washing and anti-dumping actions to prevent Chinese products from entering the U.S. market by "origin washing" through Taiwan or other countries. He pointed out that when Chinese products cannot be directly exported to the U.S. due to high tariffs, they might be illegally transshipped through Southeast Asian countries or Taiwan, which not only disrupts international trade order but also impacts local industries in Taiwan.
Cho emphasized that as a member of the advanced trade community, Taiwan must proactively take on the responsibility of maintaining fair trade. He has sent a clear message to businesses nationwide, urging them to comply with government policies to ensure that exported products are genuinely made in Taiwan. He stated, "MIT is MIT, and there should be no MIC (Made in China) in it."
Export Control and Protection of High-Tech Products
Regarding the export of high-tech products, Cho pointed out that Taiwan is a crucial base for the global high-tech industry, with many products involving confidential and key technologies. The government will strengthen export controls to prevent these products from flowing into China through any channels. He warned that if anyone illegally transfers legally obtained confidential products to China, the government will severely punish them according to the law.
He further explained that Taiwan's future export control standards will align with international standards to ensure the safety and credibility of Taiwanese products in the global market. He stated, "This is the government's responsibility and the foundation of Taiwan's economic security."
Taiwan-U.S. Trade Negotiations Begin, Focusing on Three Key Issues
Taiwan's trade negotiation team held its first video conference with U.S. officials on April 11, officially launching tariff negotiations. Cho noted that the U.S. is focused on three key issues in the negotiations: trade deficit, U.S. reindustrialization, and the resolution of non-tariff trade barriers. He specifically mentioned that the U.S. is highly concerned about whether Chinese products are entering the U.S. market through Taiwan by "origin washing."
In response to U.S. concerns, the Taiwanese government has launched several countermeasures, including strengthening origin inspections, initiating anti-dumping investigations, and enhancing export review mechanisms. Cho stated that these measures are not only to address U.S. pressure but also to protect local industries and Taiwan's international reputation.
Expanding U.S. Procurement and Investment to Maintain Trade Balance
In terms of negotiation strategy, Cho stated that Taiwan will focus on "major procurement, trade, and investment" to expand procurement and investment in the U.S. to maintain bilateral trade balance. Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Tzu-hui also revealed that the government has identified a potential $200 billion procurement space, covering energy, technology, and agricultural products.
Additionally, the Executive Yuan has launched a new round of industrial support programs totaling NT$88 billion, covering nine major areas and twenty measures to help industries affected by tariffs meet challenges. Cho stated that these measures will be adjusted according to industry suggestions and public needs and will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review through special regulations.
Balancing Domestic Industry and International Trust
In his speeches, Cho repeatedly emphasized that Taiwan's exports should reflect the hard work of its people and should not include Chinese products. He stated, "MIT is MIT, there is no Made in China inside." This is not only a protection for domestic industries but also a commitment to the international market.
He pointed out that if low-priced Chinese products enter the international market through Taiwan, it will lead to doubts about the safety and quality of Taiwanese products, thereby damaging Taiwan's brand image. Therefore, the government will continue to promote anti-dumping investigations and strengthen communication and cooperation with the industry to ensure Taiwan's position and reputation in the global supply chain.
