President Trump of the United States Launches 2025 Trade Negotiations: with Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea Involved, US-China Tariff Talks Show Progress

In May 2025, the Trump administration initiated a new round of trade negotiations, planning to conduct bilateral talks with about 20 countries, including Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, with the goal of achieving preliminary results by the end of the year. The negotiations involve both major economies and smaller trade partners, aiming to create a model for future trade agreements. Trump is also considering lowering the punitive tariffs, which are as high as 145%, on China, suggesting there may be room for negotiation in the US-China trade war. Senior US and Chinese officials held talks in Geneva on May 10, marking the first significant trade talks since Trump assumed office.

US Launches New Round of Trade Talks: 20 Countries Included, Taiwan Among Them

According to reports from Bloomberg, Reuters, and various media outlets, the Trump administration has drafted a priority list for trade negotiations with about 20 countries and regions, covering major US export markets and some smaller economies. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has briefed Congress on this list, emphasizing that this wave of negotiations will serve as a "model" for future trade agreements.

Countries named include:

Asia: Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, the Philippines, India
Oceania: Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador
Europe and the Middle East: Switzerland, Israel, Liechtenstein
Africa and smaller economies: Fiji, Lesotho, Mauritius, Madagascar

Among them, Taiwan is listed as one of the first-round negotiation targets. Informed sources indicate that US-Taiwan talks may focus on reducing tariffs, eliminating non-tariff barriers, enhancing supply chain security, and possibly including terms for the digital economy and high-tech products.

Small Countries as Strategic Entry Points: Accelerating Demonstration Agreements

The Trump administration deliberately chose some countries with less significant impact on US trade as priority negotiation targets to quickly complete agreements, establish templates, and then promote larger-scale negotiations with other countries. For example, Lesotho recently agreed to authorize the US company Starlink to obtain a 10-year operating license in exchange for tariff exemptions.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated, "We are trying to show the world a negotiation template so that we can advance negotiations more quickly." Although these agreements have limited impact on overall US trade, they can serve as references for subsequent negotiations with large economies.

US-China Trade Talks Resume: Trump Considers Reducing Tariffs to 80% or Even 50%

Meanwhile, new developments have emerged in US-China trade relations. The Trump administration initially imposed high tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports as a trade war tactic. However, Trump has recently stated publicly that tariffs "cannot go any higher" and hinted at a possible reduction to 80%, with reports suggesting a minimum reduction to 50%.

Trump posted on the social platform Truth Social, saying, "Imposing an 80% tariff on China seems right. Let Scott B (Treasury Secretary Besant) decide." This indicates that the Trump administration is evaluating specific plans to reduce tariffs.

Senior US and Chinese officials began talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 10. The US delegation includes Treasury Secretary Besant and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while the Chinese side is led by Vice Premier He Lifeng. This is the first major trade meeting between the two sides since Trump took office.

US-China Talks Handled Independently, Not Merged with Other Agreements

Although the Trump administration is engaging in trade talks with multiple countries, US-China negotiations will be handled independently and not merged with other countries' negotiations. Informed sources point out that this is because the complex and strategically sensitive nature of the US-China trade dispute far exceeds other bilateral negotiations.

Currently, there are significant differences between the US and China on core issues, including market access, intellectual property rights, supply chain security, and restrictions on the export of critical raw materials. China emphasizes "equal respect" as a prerequisite for negotiations and expresses dissatisfaction with the US's high tariff policy.

Japan and South Korea: Slow Negotiation Progress, Tariffs Remain a Focus

Among major Asian economies, Japan and South Korea are also listed as priority negotiation targets, but US officials admit that negotiations with these two countries "will not be quick agreements." Japan has clearly stated that the lifting of additional tariffs on automobiles and steel is a prerequisite for reaching an agreement.

South Korea has not yet publicly disclosed its specific negotiation stance, but reports suggest that the US hopes to reduce its trade deficit with South Korea and strengthen cooperation in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors.

Taiwan: Supply Chain and High-Tech Cooperation as Focus

Taiwan is seen as a strategic partner in these negotiations. US officials point out that Taiwan's role in the semiconductor, electronic components, and digital economy sectors is crucial to US supply chain security. The two sides may engage in in-depth discussions on reducing tariffs, eliminating technical trade barriers, and digital trade regulations.

Additionally, cooperation between Taiwan and the US in the chip supply chain may also be included in the negotiation agenda, especially in the context of the US promoting the "Chip Act" and supply chain restructuring, with Taiwan-US cooperation seen as key.

President Trump of the United States Launches 2025 Trade Negotiations: with Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea Involved, US-China Tariff Talks Show Progress

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