Taiwan Criticizes US 32% Tariffs as Unfair, President Pledges Support

Taiwan is expressing strong opposition to new reciprocal tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which impose a 32% tariff on Taiwanese imports, citing the move as 'unfair' and not reflective of the complementary trade relationship between the two nations. President Lai Ching-te convened a meeting with key officials to assess the tariffs' implications and ensure support for affected industries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Taiwan's competitiveness. The tariffs, which take effect on April 9, have prompted concerns about economic disruptions, with Taiwanese officials accusing the U.S. of using Taiwan's trade surplus as justification for the high rates. The Taiwanese government plans to lodge a formal protest and continue negotiations with U.S. officials to protect its trade interests. Lai characterized the tariffs as an unprecedented challenge to global trade and pledged to provide maximum support to businesses facing the brunt of these new duties. Exemptions for certain goods, including semiconductors, have been noted, but the overall impact on Taiwan's industrial chain is expected to be substantial.