Economy Secretary Predicts Trump's Tariffs Will Hit Taiwanese Businesses in China Hardest | Taiwan News

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) predicted on Thursday (November 7) that Trump's protectionist policies will affect Taiwanese businessmen in China more than those in Taiwan.

During a meeting of the Legislative Yuan Economic Committee, KMT Rep. Yang Chiung-ying (楊瓊瓔) and DPP Reps. Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) and Lin Tai-hua (林岱樺) asked Kuo about Trump's likely impact on Taiwan's economy Times of freedom. Kuo said Trump's longstanding unilateralism will inevitably impact global free trade.

Kuo said Trump plans to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese products and a 10% to 20% tariff on products from Taiwan and other countries. “I think Taiwanese businessmen will have the greatest influence in China,” Kuo said.

Asked about the Ministry of Economic Affairs' plans to strengthen Taiwan's industry, Kuo said the ministry wants to help export industries take advantage of the market shift to become more competitive.

Yen Huai-Shing (顏慧欣) from the Trade Negotiations Office added that Taiwan and the US have long-standing trade ties. These include bilateral cooperation platforms such as the US-Taiwan Initiative for Dialogue on Trade and Economic Prosperity in the 21st Century.

Going forward, Yen said his ministry will work with the Trump administration to maintain bilateral cooperation.