TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US House Representative Judy Chu (趙美心) said it was not the time to impose tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductor imports on Sunday, adding that the US should strengthen its relationship with Taiwan to ensure its access to chips.
Chu spoke at a Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles event for wildfire relief where she thanked Taiwan’s government and private sector for donating to US fire departments. Speaking to CNA on the sidelines, Chu questioned why Trump would tariff Taiwan following the donation, which she said demonstrates longstanding friendship.
Chu said semiconductors are central to economic development, and the previous Joe Biden administration had worked hard to increase domestic production to meet demand. “We have established a very good cooperative relationship with Taiwan in this regard,” Chu said.
Trump said in late January the US would place a 25%-100% tariff on foreign-made semiconductors to increase domestic production. He also questioned whether the US should fund foreign companies to build factories in the country.
The Biden administration approved a NT$214.34 billion (US$6.6 billion) subsidy for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. for its Arizona facilities in November. TSMC said in January it is confident the US will honor this commitment.
“We should strengthen the partnership between the US and Taiwan to ensure a stable semiconductor supply,” Chu said. “I believe now is not the time to impose tariffs on semiconductors, this is the wrong direction.”
Chu criticized the Trump administration for using tariffs as a negotiating tactic against Taiwan and other long-standing US allies Canada and Mexico. She said maintaining a strong US-Taiwan partnership is vital because Taiwan is an important Asian democracy.
Chu has advocated for Taiwan in the past. She has visited Taiwan, called for a US-Taiwan free trade agreement, and supported Taiwan’s admission to the World Health Organization
