TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The first talks between Taiwan and the US about the Trump administration tariff went smoothly, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Saturday.

The cabinet’s Office of Trade Negotiations confirmed it had conducted virtual talks with the US the previous day. Subjects included non-tariff trade barriers and export restrictions, but no details were revealed about the identity of the negotiators and about a timetable for discussions of the 32% tariff on Taiwanese goods, suspended for 90 days.

In a speech at a Rotary Club conference, Lai expressed his satisfaction with Friday’s talks, saying the process went smoothly, the Liberty Times reported. Taiwan’s inclusion in the early round of talks on the same day as Israel showed that the US paid attention to the country’s concerns, the report said.

Taiwan’s strong economic performance, its importance to international supply chains, and its strategic role in the Indo-Pacific all mattered to the US. Lai also told his audience not to be afraid, as Taiwan’s economy had already shown its resilience, per CNA.

The world was taking note of the country and considering it as a positive force, according to the president. He added how nobody had expected US President Donald Trump to roll out his tariff policy so rapidly, impacting Taiwan and the rest of the world. Lai concluded with a call to have confidence, and to remain steadfast in the face of each kind of challenge.