TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Twenty-three Taiwanese listed companies announced share buyback plans between Monday and Wednesday amid market turbulence linked to US tariffs.

The Taiwan Stock Exchange urged firms to repurchase shares in response to the market decline. The market closed at 17,391.76 on Wednesday and showed early signs of recovery Thursday after US President Donald Trump paused 32% tariffs on Taiwan for 90 days, per CNA. All countries targeted by Trump's “reciprocal" tariffs, except for China, will see levies reduced to the 10% universal rate.  

A buyback involves a company repurchasing its shares, which then become treasury stock. Treasury stock may be reissued later or permanently retired, according to the Taiwan Economic Journal.

Lite-On Technology led all companies with a planned buyback of 130,000 lots. Yieh Phui Enterprise and Clevo followed with 30,000 and 20,000 lots, respectively.

TWSE encouraged companies to consider buybacks based on their financial health and market conditions. On Wednesday, it introduced new incentive measures.

Firms with active buyback programs and high execution rates will earn extra credit in corporate governance evaluations. If a company buys back shares for employee transfer and maintains a strong execution rate, TWSE may nominate it for additional governance points after the corporate governance evaluation committee's approval.

To speed up the buyback process, TWSE has simplified reporting procedures. Companies can now confirm buyback filings through email or phone in addition to written reports.