TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) laid a roadmap for Taiwan’s response to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, transforming challenges in the bilateral trade relationship into new growth opportunities. 

In an opinion piece published by Bloomberg on Thursday, Lai said closer trade ties go beyond economics, calling it “a critical pillar of regional security.” He expressed confidence that Taiwan and the US would overcome turbulence in international trade through their shared economic and security interests.

The president emphasized the Taiwan-US partnership extends beyond the security realm. Lai pointed out that Taiwan has become a significant investor in the US, creating thousands of American jobs. 

For instance, Lai pointed to TSMC’s announcement to raise its US investment to NT$5.42 trillion (US$165 billion). He said the plan will create 40,000 construction jobs and “tens of thousands more in advanced chip manufacturing and R&D.”

Lai also mentioned Taiwan’s order of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets signed during Trump’s first term. He added that Taiwan’s NT$263.43 billion (US$8 billion) purchase created “thousands of well-paying jobs across the US,” while strengthening Indo-Pacific peace and stability.

Lai said Taiwan is committed to strengthening cooperation with the US in manufacturing and innovation. “As a trade-dependent economy, our long-term success is built on trade relationships that are fair, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial,” the president said. 

Lai said part of the government’s strategy will encourage Taiwanese businesses to expand their US footprint and deepen commercial ties between Taiwanese and US firms. Lai said Taiwan's approach is grounded in its commitment to US friendship, fair and reciprocal trade, and Taiwan Strait peace. 

Lai laid out four core principles to guide his government’s response to Trump's tariffs. First, the president said he would seek to restart trade negotiations to reduce all tariffs between Taiwan and the US. 

Lai pointed out that Taiwan already maintains low tariffs, with an average nominal rate of 6%. He said he would be willing to cut this rate to zero based on reciprocity with the US. 

Second, Taiwan will expand its procurement of US goods. Lai said Taiwan would narrow its trade imbalance with the US through energy, agriculture, and other industrial goods purchases. 

The president pointed out that the US’ rising demand for semiconductors and AI components increased its trade deficit with Taiwan. 

Lai said the government would also consider additional arms procurements for its self-defense. During Trump's first term, Taiwan secured US$18 billion in arms deals, which are not reflected in trade balances, the president said. 

Third, Lai pledged new investments across the US. He said that Taiwanese firms already support 400,000 jobs throughout all 50 states. Beyond TSMC, the president pointed to opportunities in electronics, ICT, energy, and petrochemicals. 

“We will establish a cross-agency ‘US Investment Team’ to support bilateral trade and investment,” the president said. “We hope that efforts will be reciprocated by the Trump administration.” 

Fourth, Lai expressed his desire to remove non-tariff trade barriers. He said Taiwan will resolve issues impeding trade negotiations and address US concerns over export controls and improper transshipment of low-cost goods through Taiwan.