In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs—including a 32% import tax on Taiwanese goods—the Cabinet on Thursday said it regretted the “strongly unreasonable” measure and vowed to file a formal protest with Washington.
On Wednesday, Trump introduced sweeping tariffs affecting roughly 90 countries, including a blanket 10% tax on all U.S. imports. Declaring it “Liberation Day,” the president framed the move as necessary to address America’s longstanding trade deficit with key partners such as China and the European Union.
The EU will face a 20% tariff, while Asian economies have been hit harder: Cambodia 49%, Vietnam 46%, Thailand 36%, China 34%, Indonesia 32%, India 26%, South Korea 25%, Japan 24%, and Malaysia 24%.
Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) criticized the policy as disconnected from current U.S.-Taiwan trade realities, outlining three major concerns. First, she said the tariff calculations lack transparency, scientific basis, and any clear grounding in international trade theory. Second, while Taiwan’s trade surplus with the U.S. has increased, it reflects surging American demand for semiconductors and AI products—industries in which Taiwan plays a vital role in and contributes to U.S. economic and national security. Third, Lee noted that the U.S. has long voiced concerns over illegal transshipment from China. While countries closely tied to Chinese trade received higher tariffs, Taiwan has already implemented strict measures to combat such violations.
In a fact sheet on the official White House website it says that some goods will not be subject to the reciprocal tariff, including semiconductors.
Lee added that Premier Cho Jung-Tai (卓榮泰) has instructed officials to demand clarification from the U.S. Trade Representative and continue dialogue to protect Taiwan’s economic interests.