U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on his reciprocal tariff plan. On Thursday, Economic Minister J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) told the Legislature’s Economics Committee that the U.S. intends to use this window to negotiate with more than 70 countries. Since Taiwan had previously expressed willingness to engage in talks, Kuo said the nation stands a strong chance of being included in the first round of negotiations.
Kuo said the U.S. is using high tariff threats as a tactic to bring countries to the negotiating table. He added that Taiwan’s close ties with the U.S. and the complementary nature of the tech industries make bilateral discussions relatively easier to navigate.
When asked whether the situation would trigger a new wave of Taiwanese businesses returning from China, Kuo noted that contingency plans for “non-red” supply chains were already in place before the tariff announcement. The government will now accelerate its assessment of Taiwanese firms’ needs in China. Priority support will go to exporters targeting the U.S., not those focused on Chinese or pro-China markets.
Kuo also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to following President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) roadmap to deepen trade ties and reduce tariffs through dialogue.