TAIWAN Trade Deal – CHINA FURIOUS!
Trump gives Taiwan a break on tariffs while China gets the shaft – now why would America treat these two nations so differently?
At a Glance
- Taiwan has been included in the first group for US trade negotiations, avoiding a 32% tariff temporarily
- President Trump postponed tariffs on Taiwan and other trade partners for three months
- Taiwan currently faces a 10% tariff and aims to negotiate it down to zero
- Taiwan ranks seventh in trade surpluses with the US at $73.9 billion last year
- The majority of Taiwan’s exports to the US (60%) are semiconductor and tech products, which are excluded from new tariffs
Taiwan Gets Special Treatment While China Gets Hammered
While the Biden administration spent years ignoring our greatest geopolitical threat, President Trump is wasting no time putting China in its place while extending an olive branch to Taiwan. Taiwan’s President William Lai announced his country is included in the first group for US trade negotiations, shielding Taiwanese exporters from the 32% tariff that would devastate their economy. Meanwhile, China is getting slapped with massive new tariffs that make their cheap products considerably less cheap. Anyone noticing a pattern here?
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has already engaged with Taiwanese and Israeli counterparts to discuss the tariff situation. And it’s no coincidence Taiwan is at the front of the line. Unlike some nations (*cough* China *cough*) that manipulate currency, steal intellectual property, and flood our markets with artificially cheap goods, Taiwan has been a reliable ally and trading partner. They’ve earned the privilege of negotiation, while communist regimes that break every rule in the book get hit with the full force of Trump’s tariff hammer.
A Three-Month Reprieve and a Clear Path Forward
President Trump has postponed tariffs on multiple trade partners, including Taiwan, for three months. This gives Taiwan breathing room to negotiate down from their current 10% tariff to potentially zero. This is the art of the deal in action – reward your friends, punish your enemies, and always keep the pressure on to get the best possible outcome for American interests. Taiwan understands this and seems more than willing to play ball, unlike other nations that scream bloody murder at the slightest hint of fair trade practices.
“We want everyone to know that Taiwan is on the first negotiating list of the US government” – Lai.
These negotiations aren’t just about tariffs, though. They’ll also focus on boosting US procurement and investment while eliminating non-tariff barriers that restrict American access to foreign markets. Taiwan has also been warned about addressing “origin laundering” – the practice of routing Chinese goods through Taiwan to avoid tariffs. The fact that Taiwan is willing to clean up this practice shows their commitment to honest trade, something China has never demonstrated in its entire communist existence.
A $73.9 Billion Trade Surplus That Actually Makes Sense
Taiwan currently ranks seventh in trade surpluses with the US, with a surplus of $73.9 billion last year. But unlike some countries, Taiwan’s surplus is tied to products America actually needs – not cheap plastic garbage destined for dollar stores. A full 60% of Taiwan’s exports to the US are ICT products, including the semiconductors that power everything from your iPhone to military equipment. These critical tech components are excluded from the new tariffs, showing Trump’s strategic thinking about supply chains and national security.
“The government will be well prepared to negotiate with the United States to ensure our national interests and protect the future development of the industry” – Lai.
Taiwan’s machine tool industry is particularly concerned about the tariffs, as 17% of their total machinery exports in the first three months of the year went to the US. The Taiwan Machine Tool and Accessory Builders’ Association has urged their government to coordinate with airlines to reduce export delays and expand the domestic market. Instead of crying to the WTO or threatening retaliation (looking at you, European Union), Taiwan’s approach is to adapt, negotiate, and find solutions – exactly what America wants in a trading partner.
America First Doesn’t Mean America Alone
The left screeched that Trump’s “America First” policy would isolate us from the world. But what we’re seeing is the exact opposite. By setting clear expectations and demonstrating he’s willing to use America’s economic might, Trump is creating the space for genuine negotiations with allies like Taiwan. Countries that share our values, respect intellectual property, and play by the rules are being rewarded, while those that have abused our generosity for decades are finally feeling the consequences of their actions.
