Taiwan has sent officials to Washington to talk about possible US tariffs on its semiconductor industry, as President Donald Trump weighs plans for reciprocal trade measures, Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei said in a statement on Saturday.
Taiwan, home to the world’s largest contract chipmaker TSMC, could face tariffs after Trump accused the island of taking away American semiconductor business during his campaign. On Friday, Trump announced plans to introduce tariffs on multiple economies by early next week, signaling a major shift in US trade policy.
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Speaking in Taipei, Kuo confirmed that the Taiwanese government has prepared for any potential tariffs but declined to disclose specific details. He revealed that a deputy minister and a deputy section chief had been sent to Washington to explain Taiwan’s position on semiconductor trade. However, he did not provide their names or further information.
“They will do their best to present Taiwan’s case to Trump’s administration,” Kuo said, adding that Taiwan remains the United States’ “best partner.”
Taiwan has long claimed that its semiconductor industry and American companies are mutually beneficial. Yet the island runs a large trade surplus with the US, which last year jumped 83% to a record $111.4 billion. High-tech exports, led by semiconductors, accounted for most of the surge.
To soothe trading tensions, Kuo recommended that Taiwan emulate Japan’s strategy by promising to import more US energy supplies. He argued that Japan agreed to import record volumes of liquefied natural gas from the United States following behind-doors discussions between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Currently, Taiwan sources most of its LNG from Australia and Qatar, but it may shift toward US supplies to strengthen economic ties and mitigate the impact of potential tariffs.
