Written by Peter (Hung-Yao) Chu. This article explores the development of UK-Taiwan relations since the Tsai Ing-wen administration until the current William Lai administration. It suggests that Brexit and China’s increasing assertiveness serve as two of the most important factors that contribute to the UK’s reassessment of its approach toward the Indo-Pacific and Taiwan.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi Hsieh. This article asks the question of whether Trump’s tariffs on Taiwan signal a potential divergence of his foreign policy on cross-Strait relations. It argues that although the country needs to remain cautious, the long-term impact might be less severe than one expects. Recent developments suggest that the Trump administration has not altered its foreign policy.
Written by Yun-Chieh Wang. This article analyses the potential impact of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs on the Taiwanese sectors with high value of export to the US, and the impact on the Taiwan-US trade relationship. With the strong economic ties between Taiwan and the United States, it is undeniable that the additional tariff imposed by the Trump administration would affect Taiwanese exports negatively.
Written by Peter C.Y. Chow. This article assesses the impact of Trump’s tariffs from a global trade perspective. It argues that the effects of tariffs in reducing trade deficit remain indeterminate. Applying it to all trading partners will affect US relations with its allies, including Taiwan, and challenge the rules-based trade system that the US nurtured since the end of World War II.
Written by Alexander C. Tan. This article argues that Taiwan finds itself in a uniquely vulnerable position in the shifting landscape of international trade. The Taiwanese economy is heavily reliant on international trade. Taiwan is also excluded from major regional trade agreements such as the RCEP and CPTPP, limiting its options for diversifying trade relationships and mitigating the impact of tariffs.
Written by Min-Hua Chiang. This article argues that the TSMC will continue to be Taiwan’s silicon shield, despite its US$100 billion investment pledge in the US, as most of the more advanced chips will be fabricated in Taiwan. That is also why Taiwan faces challenges from the US tariff threat in the near term. TSMC remains Taiwan’s best chip in its negotiations with the US.
Written by Tom Meinderts. This article discusses the effects of Trump’s tariffs and the options available for Taiwan’s trade policies. Given the importance of the US market for Taiwan’s semiconductors, it is unsurprising that Taiwan has already started negotiations to lower the tariffs. As other options remain unattractive, these negotiations may become the most important in Taiwanese history.
Written by Guan-Yi Leu. This article analyses the effects of Trump’s tariffs on Taiwan economically and geopolitically. The main concern in Taiwan was the uncertainty and unpredictability caused by the policy. It also discusses Taiwan’s response to it, both in terms of government and businesses. Taiwan’s economy has shown resilience amidst geopolitical risks and has weathered previous conflicts.
Written by Michael Reilly. This article argues that the implications of Donald Trump’s tariffs for Taiwan are much more serious than a potential 0.43% hit to its GDP growth because the US and China are its two largest export markets, placing Taiwan on the front line of the trade war. Nevertheless, the choices of Taiwan are likely to be forced upon it by the decisions of American companies.
Written by Min-hua Chiang. This article examines the trend of Taiwan’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) amidst the geopolitical uncertainties. The declining reliance on China for manufacturing and the increasingly diversified economic links are expected to help Taiwan connect more closely with America and the rest of the world.
Written by Min-Hua Chiang. This article explores the potential impact of higher tariffs under the second Trump administration on Taiwan’s export-oriented economy. It argues that Taiwan’s manufacturing industry remains resilient with its history of coping with changing geopolitical relations. It could even encourage Taiwan’s companies to invest overseas.
Written by Ming-Cheng Li. This article highlights the WTO as the fundamental economic pathway for Taiwan to join the CPTPP. Taiwan has demonstrated its willingness to conform to international standards of trade policies and actively engage in the governance of the WTO. It also developed robust partnerships with substantial members of the WTO like Japan, Canada and the UK.
Taiwan Insight 