TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In recent days, rumors have circulated that the US has already set a 32% tariff rate for Taiwan, with some suggesting that the White House will make an announcement after the upcoming round of recall votes on Saturday. 

Economics minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) was questioned about the rumors in the Legislative Yuan on Monday and said he has no idea where speculation of a 32% tariff rate came from. Kuo said he is confident that Taiwan can negotiate a lower tariff rate than the 25% given to Japan and South Korea, reported UDN. 

Former KMT vice-presidential candidate and radio host Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康) contributed to the spread of the rumors, when he told supporters Monday that he received credible information on a 32% tariff rate. 

KMT Legislator Chang Chia-chun (張嘉郡) also publicly claimed that Taiwan had already received a notice from Washington. Chang said the Lai administration wants to delay making the information public until after Saturday’s recall votes, reported ET Today. 

When asked for a comment on the rumor, the American Institute in Taiwan said that “negotiations are still ongoing.” Everyone should wait for an official notice from the White House or the Office of the US Trade Representative, per AIT. 

Cabinet  Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) also weighed in on the rumors of a 32% tariff rate and said the government has yet to receive any notification from Washington. Lee emphasized that there will be a new round of in-person trade negotiations this week. 

Lee also said there may be a political motive behind the rumors of a 32% tariff rate. She called the spread of false or unconfirmed information undesirable and irresponsible, reported UDN.

Multiple rounds of trade negotiations have been held between Taiwan and the US since May, with a fourth round scheduled for this week. Previous reports suggested talks may continue until the beginning of August, with some hopeful speculation that Taiwan may obtain a tariff rate somewhere between 15% and 20%.