The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday (February 20) that the large-scale reciprocal tariff policy is invalid. On Saturday (21st), Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te stated that regardless of how the U.S. tariff situation changes, the government's goal is very clear: to ensure that the best treatment Taiwan has already obtained will not be discounted, and to preserve Taiwan's relative advantages compared to major competitors—carefully mitigating any risks that may arise from new circumstances.
In response to the Supreme Court's decision, Trump swiftly signed an executive order announcing plans to reimplement related tariffs, imposing a 10% tariff on global trading partners as a replacement. The next day, he further announced that the rate would be raised to the legal limit of 15%.
Previously, on February 12 (U.S. Eastern Time), the U.S. and Taiwan completed the signing of the "Reciprocal Trade Agreement" in Washington. Taiwan successfully secured non-cumulative reciprocal tariffs of 15% and the most-favored-nation goal for Section 232 tariffs, while also committing to purchasing $84.8 billion USD (about 331.5 billion Ringgit) from the U.S. by 2029, and removing tariffs on beef and dairy products. Although the U.S. side agreed to allow the tariff reductions to take effect in advance by publishing it through an official gazette, the agreement still needs to be reviewed by Taiwan's Legislative Yuan.
Lai Ching-te posted on Facebook Saturday night, stating that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the past two days, as well as the Trump administration’s declaration to instead adopt Article 122 of the 1974 Trade Act—imposing a global 10% temporary tariff for 150 days—will not only impact Taiwan but also the whole world.
Lai Ching-te said he asks the Taiwanese public and industry players to rest assured: facing a rapidly changing and challenging international economic and trade environment, the Taiwanese government is always up-to-date and fully prepared. To respond to possible upcoming changes, Taiwan’s authorities will closely monitor subsequent measures of the Trump administration and maintain close communication with the U.S.
He emphasized that no matter how the situation changes, the government's goal is clear: to ensure that the best treatment already obtained by Taiwan is not compromised, to ensure Taiwan’s relative advantages compared with major competitors, and to prudently address any risks that may be brought by new scenarios.
Lai Ching-te said Taiwan has the world’s most competitive industries and the most united population, and he is full of confidence for the future. Regardless of how the external economic and trade environment may change, the government will, as always, uphold Taiwan’s interests, the interests of industry, food security, and public health as its highest principles, striving for the best interests for Taiwan and its industries.
He concluded by stating that in this new year, the government will continue to be the strongest supporter for the public and industry, leading Taiwan to weather changes steadily and continue to stride forward.
Previously, on February 12 (U.S. Eastern Time), the U.S. and Taiwan completed the signing of the "Reciprocal Trade Agreement" in Washington. Taiwan successfully secured non-cumulative reciprocal tariffs of 15% and the most-favored-nation goal for Section 232 tariffs, while also committing to purchasing $84.8 billion USD (about 331.5 billion Ringgit) from the U.S. by 2029, and removing tariffs on beef and dairy products. Although the U.S. side agreed to allow the tariff reductions to take effect in advance by publishing it through an official gazette, the agreement still needs to be reviewed by Taiwan's Legislative Yuan.
Lai Ching-te posted on Facebook Saturday night, stating that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the past two days, as well as the Trump administration’s declaration to instead adopt Article 122 of the 1974 Trade Act—imposing a global 10% temporary tariff for 150 days—will not only impact Taiwan but also the whole world.
Lai Ching-te said he asks the Taiwanese public and industry players to rest assured: facing a rapidly changing and challenging international economic and trade environment, the Taiwanese government is always up-to-date and fully prepared. To respond to possible upcoming changes, Taiwan’s authorities will closely monitor subsequent measures of the Trump administration and maintain close communication with the U.S.
He emphasized that no matter how the situation changes, the government's goal is clear: to ensure that the best treatment already obtained by Taiwan is not compromised, to ensure Taiwan’s relative advantages compared with major competitors, and to prudently address any risks that may be brought by new scenarios.
Lai Ching-te said Taiwan has the world’s most competitive industries and the most united population, and he is full of confidence for the future. Regardless of how the external economic and trade environment may change, the government will, as always, uphold Taiwan’s interests, the interests of industry, food security, and public health as its highest principles, striving for the best interests for Taiwan and its industries.
He concluded by stating that in this new year, the government will continue to be the strongest supporter for the public and industry, leading Taiwan to weather changes steadily and continue to stride forward.