TAIPEI (Reuters) – The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan) expects Taiwan to maintain strong support from the incoming Trump administration, although it acknowledged that the chances for a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which is considered crucial for businesses, are limited.
During the first Trump administration, Taiwan received consistent support, particularly through regularized arms sales, a policy that President Joe Biden continued. However, concerns emerged when Trump suggested that Taiwan should pay for its defense, which created some uncertainty.
As Trump prepares for his inauguration on January 20, his administration has proposed a 10% tariff on all global imports to the U.S., a move that has raised alarms among Taiwanese policymakers. They worry that such tariffs could hinder Taiwan’s trade-dependent economy.
In its 2025 Business Climate Survey, AmCham Taiwan reported that three-quarters of respondents viewed a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. as critical to their business success. However, the prospects for such an agreement remain uncertain.
Despite the challenges, AmCham Taiwan expressed optimism about the incoming administration, noting the inclusion of key figures with a history of strong support for Taiwan, such as Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Support for Taiwan in Congress remains robust, with strong bipartisan backing for economic and trade relations. The chamber believes this support will continue into the new administration.
The survey, which collected responses from 212 out of 423 eligible members, found that 90% of respondents plan to either maintain or increase their investments in Taiwan this year, signaling confidence in the island’s economic stability.
Regarding policy priorities, energy issues, including concerns about stable electricity supplies, have overtaken relations with China, according to the survey. Additionally, concerns about increased military activity around Taiwan have risen slightly, with personal anxiety levels increasing from 2.8 to 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 compared to the previous year.
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