Tariff Tsunami Hits Taiwan's Bubble Tea Giant: "Four or Five Containers Adrift at Sea!"

Taiwanese Bubble Tea Manufacturer Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Trade War with the US

Amidst escalating trade tensions, a major Taiwanese bubble tea manufacturer is facing a daunting challenge: navigating the impact of new tariffs imposed by the US under the leadership of Trump.

In a recent closed-door meeting with the Taipei City Mayor 蔣萬安 (Jiang Wan'an) and the Neihu Industrial Development Association, a representative from the bubble tea giant expressed deep concern. The company has four or five shipping containers currently adrift at sea, destined for the US. The crucial question remains: How will these goods be affected by the new tariffs upon arrival? Specifically, the company is grappling with the practical implications of the 32% tariff: who will pay it, and what forms of assistance are available?

The meeting, which was not open to the public, saw the presence of various industry representatives, including Chen You-cheng (陳宥丞), a member of the city council. Chen stated that participants, ranging from food and consumer goods companies to high-tech firms, were hoping for concrete solutions from 蔣萬安 (Jiang Wan'an). The general feeling was that the city government was unprepared for the trade war. Concerns revolved around a lack of proactive measures and a lack of clear direction for businesses in the face of evolving trade policies.