Welcome, listeners, to the latest episode of Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Today, we bring the very latest developments on the US-Taiwan tariff front, where headlines have been dominated by President Trump’s aggressive trade policy and Taiwan’s efforts to negotiate relief.

As of now, Taiwan’s exports to the United States are facing a 20 percent tariff, a rate that was imposed by the Trump administration in early August as a “reciprocal” measure while both sides work toward a comprehensive trade agreement. This rate was itself a reduction from an even steeper 32 percent tariff announced back in April, which triggered concern across Taiwan’s manufacturing and tech sectors, including the all-critical semiconductor industry. So far, semiconductors and certain information and communications technology products have remained exempt from these additional US tariffs, but the situation is tense as an ongoing US national security investigation—known as a Section 232 review under the Trade Expansion Act—could decide the fate of these tech exports in the near future, according to CNA.

There’s growing unease in Taiwan because economic rivals such as South Korea and Japan are already securing or finalizing more favorable 15 percent tariff arrangements with Washington, putting pressure on Taipei to secure better terms to keep its competitive edge. Taiwan’s Deputy Trade Representative Yen Huai-shing confirmed today that talks with the US have made “certain progress,” and both sides are now just “awaiting a concluding meeting.” Yen stressed that Taiwan urgently needs more reasonable tariff rates and preferential treatment, especially in light of the heavy burden already felt by local industries and farmers. In anticipation of further impacts while negotiations are ongoing, the Taiwanese Cabinet has even introduced a special assistance budget to support affected companies and workers, reports Taiwan News.

On the American side, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick went on CNBC this week and said, “We’ve got a big deal coming with Taiwan,” raising hopes of a potential breakthrough, though no details or timelines have been released. Meanwhile, the US Trade Representative’s office has not issued a public comment since trade talks advanced into this final phase.

Taipei is emphasizing that the talks are critical to shielding Taiwanese industry from prolonged trade headwinds, especially given the record-high US trade deficit with Taiwan driven by ongoing US demand for AI chips.

That’s all for this edition of Taiwan Tariff News and Tracker. Thank you so much for tuning in—make sure to subscribe to stay ahead of every tariff headline. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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