TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan on Tuesday expressed “strong concern” over US President Donald Trump's new tariffs on Taiwan and recommended negotiations on their reduction and elimination.

AmCham called on the Trump administration to “exempt Taiwan from trade actions that could jeopardize the stability and trust underpinning the US-Taiwan relationship.” It urged parties to “work in the spirit of mutual trust and collaboration that has long defined the US-Taiwan relationship to address trade concerns and secure a stronger future built on innovation, investment, and shared growth.” 

AmCham Taiwan Chair Dan Silver emphasized that free and fair trade, along with sound economic policies are essential for enhancing productivity and predictability. “Certainty and stability are essential for our members to operate effectively and contribute to healthy, sustainable economic development,” said Silver. 

The chamber urged both governments to expedite negotiations that would lower these tariffs to "the lowest possible levels while ensuring transparency, clarity, and fairness in the process.”

The organization supported President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) recent reaffirmation of Taiwan’s commitment to the US-Taiwan partnership, including advocating for tariff reductions and enhanced market alignment. Silver said, “Taiwan has long acted in good faith to address trade imbalances and remains a reliable partner to the United States.”

It said the new tariffs on Taiwan “overlook both the facts behind that imbalance and the broader context of Taiwan’s contributions to the bilateral economic partnership.”

The organization described Taiwan as one of the world’s most innovative economies that consistently ranks among the global top five in per capita patent applications to the US and a long-time contributor to the competitiveness and resilience of key US industries. AmCham said it remains fully committed to strengthening US-Taiwan relations, promoting an open and rules-based trade environment, and creating mutually beneficial outcomes.