Taiwan to be one of first to talk tariffs with US, president says

President Lai Ching-te delivers an address via a prerecorded video on April 6, 2025. - Photo: Courtesy of Presidential Office)

TAIPEI: Taiwan is to be included in the first batch of trading partners to hold talks with Washington, President Lai Ching-te said on Friday, as his economy minister said the island could import over $200 billion worth of U.S. goods, much of it in energy.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would temporarily lower the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries while further ramping up pressure on China. Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, was due to be hit with 32% tariffs.