The first phase of tariff discussions between Taiwan and the United States concluded without a hitch, as reported by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te on Monday.
The talks were initiated to address the looming 32% tariff that was set to impact Taiwan, a significant semiconductor producer, by the U.S. President Donald Trump. However, President Trump decided to delay all tariffs excluding China, allowing for these negotiations to commence.
The initial direct discussions regarding the tariffs between Taiwan and the United States took place on Friday. President Lai, while addressing representatives from university alumni associations at the presidential office in Taipei, expressed that Taiwan has successfully navigated past challenges and should strive to convert crises into opportunities to reshape the island’s economy.
The office of President Lai quoted him stating that the initial phase of the negotiations with the United States proceeded smoothly.
He further expressed his aspiration to utilize this challenge as a chance for Taiwan to foster a new trade layout known as ’Taiwan plus one’, essentially implying Taiwan plus the United States.
