Taiwan's Opposition Calls for Action on Proposed US Tariffs

Political Parties Demand Swift Government Response to Potential Economic Blow

Taipei, April 3 - Taiwan's opposition parties are urging the government to take decisive action following the announcement of a potential 32 percent tariff on Taiwanese goods by former US President Donald Trump. The proposed tariffs have sparked concern and criticism from the opposition, who are calling for immediate negotiation and proactive strategies to safeguard Taiwan's economy.

Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇), a lawmaker from the Kuomintang (KMT), the main opposition party, expressed concern over the potential tariffs, describing them as a "devastating shock" for Taiwan, particularly impacting small and medium-sized businesses. Wang attributed the situation, in part, to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party government's perceived "optimism" regarding investment by companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in the US, and their failure to secure membership to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

KMT lawmaker Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞) echoed these sentiments, accusing the government of "doing nothing" in response to the looming tariffs, contrasting this with Canada and Mexico's successful negotiations to avoid similar trade penalties. The KMT released a statement criticizing President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) for what they see as a policy of "solely catering" to the United States, advocating for a policy of being "pro-U.S. but not dependent on the U.S." The statement further claimed that President Lai lacks "strategic autonomy in foreign economic and trade negotiations."

The Taiwan People's Party (TPP), the second-largest opposition party, also voiced concerns about the proposed tariffs, highlighting the potential impact on Taiwan's export-oriented economy, especially traditional industries. The TPP warned that these tariffs could force companies to establish production facilities in the US. The TPP called on the government to initiate immediate negotiations with the US and implement strategies for economic resilience, including industrial transformation and job preservation.

Earlier in the week, the Taiwanese government had described the proposed 32 percent tariff as "deeply unreasonable." Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) stated that the government would formally raise the issue with the United States Trade Representatives and continue negotiating with the US to "ensure the interests of our nation and industries."