Taiwan's President Responds to US Tariffs: Promises Support and Diplomatic Action

President Lai Ching-te Vows to Aid Taiwanese Businesses Amidst U.S. Trade Dispute

Taipei, April 3 – President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has vowed to provide extensive support to Taiwanese businesses potentially affected by U.S. President Donald Trump's newly announced 32 percent tariffs on Taiwanese imports. This commitment comes as Taiwan braces for the impact of the upcoming economic measures.

Describing the planned tariffs as a significant challenge to global trade and economics, Lai stated via social media that his government is actively engaging with Taiwanese industries. He pledged to offer them "maximum support," although specific details of the aid package were not immediately released.

Simultaneously, the Taiwanese government is intensifying communication with the United States, aiming to address what it views as the "many unreasonable aspects of the tariff" and safeguard Taiwan's national interests.

President Lai has directed the executive branch, headed by Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), to quickly inform the public about the anticipated effects of the tariffs on Taiwan's economy and to present the government's comprehensive response strategy.

The U.S. tariffs, announced by Donald Trump during a Washington news conference, are scheduled to take effect on April 9. These "reciprocal tariffs" will apply to numerous countries, with Taiwan specifically facing a 32 percent import tax on its goods.

The White House has indicated that some product categories, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, energy, and “certain critical minerals,” will be exempt from these new economic measures.

Lai’s remarks followed a statement from the Cabinet that strongly criticized the planned tariffs, characterizing the decision as “deeply unreasonable” and “highly regrettable.”

Lai further noted that the proposed tariffs on Taiwanese goods fail to acknowledge the "highly complementary" trade relationship between Taiwan and the U.S.

He highlighted Taiwan's consistent trade surpluses with the U.S. in recent years, primarily due to high American demand for Taiwanese information and communication technology products. President Lai expressed his belief that it is "unreasonable" for these surpluses to be cited as justification for the imposition of high tariffs on Taiwan.

The president also expressed worries about the potential adverse consequences of Trump’s tariffs on the global economy.