As of April 7, 2025, reports indicate that Taiwan has offered zero tariffs to the United States as a proactive move in response to President Trump’s recently imposed tariffs. On April 2, 2025, Trump announced a sweeping tariff plan, including a baseline 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S. and higher “reciprocal” tariffs on specific countries, with Taiwan facing a 32% tariff due to its trade surplus with the U.S. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, in a statement on April 6, 2025, expressed a willingness to eliminate trade barriers and proposed zero tariffs as a starting point for negotiations with the U.S. This offer aligns with Taiwan’s strategy to avoid escalation in the ongoing global trade tensions and to encourage increased Taiwanese investment in the U.S. Posts on X and various news outlets, such as Reuters, have highlighted this development, noting Taiwan’s pledge not to retaliate immediately but instead seek dialogue to mitigate the impact of the 32% tariff.
This move by Taiwan reflects a broader trend where some nations are opting for negotiation over retaliation in response to Trump’s aggressive trade policies. While Taiwan’s offer is a significant gesture, its success in averting or reducing the U.S. tariffs depends on forthcoming talks with the Trump administration, which has so far maintained a firm stance on its tariff strategy. For now, this is a developing situation, with Taiwan positioning itself as a cooperative partner amid a turbulent global trade landscape.
