TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US has announced a 20% tariff on Taiwanese goods, a higher rate than most regional rivals.
On Thursday, the White House published an executive order on its website listing updated tariffs by country, with Taiwan’s 5% rate higher than the 15% levied on Japan and South Korea, per UDN. The duties will take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Aug. 7, seven days after the order’s release.
In the order's preamble, US President Donald Trump said an executive order signed on April 2 determined that the US’ persistent trade deficit poses “an unusual and extraordinary threat to national security and the economy.” He attributed this threat largely to foreign sources.
Trump said this included a lack of reciprocity in bilateral trade, uneven tariff levels, and non-tariff barriers. He argued these practices harm US exports, domestic manufacturing, supply chains, and the defense industrial base.
He also cited the economy, national security, and included updates on trade talks and possible retaliation by other nations. Trump noted efforts by some partners to align with US positions on economic and security matters.
The president said that while some countries have pledged substantial trade and security commitments to eliminate barriers and align with US policy, others have not.
Tariff rates announced for East Asian and Southeast Asian countries include:
- Taiwan: 20%
- Japan: 15%
- South Korea: 15%
- Thailand: 19%
- Vietnam: 20%
- Philippines: 19%
- Myanmar: 40%
- Indonesia: 19%
- Laos: 40%
- Cambodia: 19%
- Brunei: 25%
