Taiwan relieved over US 20% tariff but pressure mounts for island to concede more
Washington reportedly demands that Taiwan match investment commitments made by Japan and South Korea to qualify for 15 per cent tier
Taiwan has temporarily breathed a sigh of relief after learning that its exports to the United States will face a 20 per cent tariff – lower than the initially feared 32 per cent – pending further negotiations for a reduced rate.
But their concerns are far from over, as pressure mounts over whether the island must make sweeping concessions, including a reported US$400 billion investment pledge, to secure a more favourable rate before the 20 per cent tariff takes effect on August 7.
So far, the latest tariff list released by the White House makes no mention of any investment pledge.
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Analysts said the developments were far from coincidental and might mark a deliberate effort by Washington to dial down Taiwan-related tensions as it sought a breakthrough in trade talks with Beijing.