Taiwan U.S. Launch Fourth Tariff Talks as Trump-Era Policy Shifts Target Asia Trade Tensions

Taiwan’s trade negotiators arrived in Washington, DC, this week to hold the fourth round of tariff discussions with the Trump administration, signaling continued efforts to resolve trade tensions under the president’s directive [1]. Vice Premier Cheng Li-jiun and lead negotiator Yang Jen-ni, according to an anonymous source briefed on the talks, have engaged in “constructive” dialogue, though the final authority to adjust tariffs remains with Trump. A Taiwan Cabinet spokeswoman declined to comment, while the Liberty Times first reported the delegation’s presence in the U.S. capital.

The negotiations come amid a broader pattern of U.S. tariff actions targeting Asian trade partners. Recent measures include a 15% levy on Japanese exports and a 19% duty on Philippine goods, which followed high-profile diplomatic visits by those nations. The U.S. also imposed a 32% tariff on Taiwanese products in April but later suspended it to facilitate negotiations. A potential escalation remains possible, as Washington has considered additional duties on Taiwan’s semiconductor sector, a critical industry for global technology supply chains.

Taiwan’s economic reliance on the U.S. market underscores the stakes of these talks. Last year, the region posted a $65 billion trade surplus with the U.S., driven by demand for its technology products, particularly in AI and data center infrastructure. Analysts suggest that prolonged uncertainty over tariffs could disrupt supply chains and dampen investment in key industries.

Parallel developments include U.S.-China trade discussions slated for Stockholm, where Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the importance of rebalancing bilateral trade relations. These talks follow Trump’s imposition of a 19% tariff on Philippine imports, which coincided with a reciprocal agreement to waive U.S. export duties. Similar terms were secured with Indonesia, which agreed to lower both tariff and non-tariff barriers for American goods. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted the global economic significance of the U.S.-China negotiations, framing them as a step toward “mutual understanding.”

The interplay of these negotiations reflects Trump’s strategic approach to trade policy, balancing pressure on partners with incentives for cooperation. For Taiwan, the fourth round of talks represents a critical opportunity to address tariff risks while safeguarding its technological leadership. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to navigate complex relationships across Asia, using trade agreements as tools to reshape regional economic dynamics.

Source: [1] [title: Taiwan trade officials arrive Washington for a fourth round of tariff talks with Trump] [url: https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688110599dc64a184ca716b7/]