Sat Apr 12 04:33:26 UTC 2025: ## Taiwan and US Hold First Tariff Talks, Paving Way for Free Trade Deal
**TAIPEI** – Taiwan and the United States held their first official talks on Friday, April 11, 2025, to address reciprocal tariffs and other trade barriers. The discussions, confirmed by Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations on Saturday, mark a significant step towards a potential free trade agreement between the two nations.
Taiwan, home to the world’s largest contract chipmaker TSMC, currently faces 32% tariffs on its exports to the U.S., which the island nation considers unfair. In the talks, Taiwan proposed a zero-tariff regime and increased investment and purchases in the U.S. market. The discussions also covered non-tariff barriers and export controls.
Both sides expressed optimism and a commitment to further consultations in the near future, aiming to strengthen economic and trade ties. While the Office of the United States Trade Representative has yet to comment, the positive outcome follows President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a temporary reduction in tariffs on various countries.
Taiwan’s pursuit of a free trade deal with the U.S. is crucial given its strategic importance as a semiconductor producer and its ongoing geopolitical tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory. The U.S. is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
First Piper 