Taiwan’s top trade envoy met with U.S. officials in South Korea this week, sparking optimism that the discussions could lead to reduced American tariffs on Taiwanese exports, according to Vice-Premier Cheng Li-chiun on Friday.
During a press conference marking Premier Cho Jung-tai’s first year in office, Cheng said that Taiwan’s lead negotiator, Jenni Yang, held “productive bilateral talks” with her U.S. counterparts. Both sides reportedly expressed a shared commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and continuing negotiations.
In an official statement, Taiwan confirmed that Yang met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade gathering on South Korea’s Jeju Island.
“Taiwan believes it can achieve trade balance by boosting purchases from the U.S.,” Cheng noted, highlighting that the U.S. has become Taiwan’s leading destination for foreign investment.
Taiwan had been facing 32% tariffs on its exports under President Donald Trump’s revised trade policies, though those measures were paused for 90 days last month.
In response, Taiwan has initiated tariff negotiations with Washington, pledging to increase imports from the U.S. and ramp up American investments in pursuit of a more balanced trade relationship.
