TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The city governments of Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung announced Sunday the establishment of task forces to address a new US policy imposing a 32% tariff on goods from Taiwan.
The city governments said the move aims to help local businesses access government resources and reduce the impact on export-oriented industries, per CNA.
Taoyuan Economic Development Department said Mayor Chang San-cheng (張善政) instructed city government units to prepare two task forces: one for Taiwan’s technology companies and another for local small and medium-sized enterprises.
The department said the task forces include representatives from the finance, labor, agriculture, and taxation departments and industry associations. The initiative aims to help businesses expand into non-US markets and reduce risks associated with concentrated exports.
Taichung Economic Development Bureau said its task force will coordinate with Cabinet assistance programs, adding the city’s export-oriented manufacturing industry will be most affected.
The bureau gathered operational data from more than 300 businesses primarily exporting to the US and Europe. It will assist industry associations and collaborate with think tanks on research to address the challenge.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) said the city will supplement its existing task force with three additional initiatives: an industry support platform, an industry advisory group, and a labor care team. Kaohsiung Economic Development Bureau added that the city's metal processing products and US exports such as servers and computer components will be most affected.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said he would meet with the mayors of Keelung, New Taipei, and Taoyuan to discuss strategies. The city also formed a cross-departmental task force and will visit the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei, Taipei Chamber of Commerce, and Taipei Neihu Technology Park Development Association on Monday.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the Cabinet is set to allocate NT$88 billion (US$2.65 billion) to support Taiwan's industries in mitigating the tariffs' impact. The initiative will include 20 measures, with NT$70 billion earmarked for the industrial sector and NT$18 billion for agriculture.
