Taiwan is considering various strategies to address potential new tariffs from the United States, including increasing energy imports and adjusting its own tariff policies to balance trade, government officials said on Thursday.
The U.S. administration has indicated that new reciprocal tariffs may target 15 countries with the highest trade surpluses with the United States. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Taiwan is among these countries, along with China, South Korea, and the European Union. The official list of affected countries has not yet been disclosed, and the tariffs are expected to be announced on April 2.
Speaking before lawmakers, Taiwan’s Deputy Economy Minister Cynthia Kiang stated that a specially formed trade task force has developed preliminary plans to increase energy imports from the United States. This initiative aims to enhance energy cooperation and ensure a stable supply of natural gas.
Earlier this month, Taiwan’s state-owned energy company, CPC Corp, signed an agreement with Alaska Gasline Development Corp to purchase liquefied natural gas and invest in the project. President Lai Ching-te emphasized that this move supports Taiwan’s long-term energy security.
When asked about potential reductions in tariffs on imported vehicles in light of the U.S. administration’s proposed 25% tariff on auto imports, Kiang stated that the trade task force has already drafted relevant measures. Additionally, Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun noted that import tariffs on certain products, including health supplements, are also under review for potential reductions.
Taiwan’s central bank has defended the island’s trade and currency policies, attributing its high current account surplus to structural economic factors. Officials have indicated that Washington is aware of these dynamics.
Taiwan’s trade surplus with the United States grew significantly in the past year, increasing by 83% and reaching a record $111.4 billion. This growth was largely driven by strong demand for high-tech products, particularly semiconductors, a sector in which Taiwan plays a key role in the global supply chain.
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