TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US tariffs are hurting Taiwan’s screw industry, which is also being challenged by currency appreciation and Chinese manufacturers.   

The New York Times reported on Monday that Taiwan has been the leading supplier of screws to the US for 30 years. However, orders from the US have dropped sharply under Trump’s 50% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, which came into effect in June.   

Many of the nation’s screw manufacturers are based in Kaohsiung and Tainan. Kaohsiung Legislator Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉) estimated that of the 1,500 factories in Lujhu and Gangshan, an average of one in eight workers is employed in the screw industry.

He said that a dozen of these factories have closed down since the tariffs were introduced. He added that currency appreciation has also had an effect, as exports are now more expensive.

Shih Feng Screws Company, founded in 1973, produces more than 1,000 types of screws. General Manager Chen Chun-yen (陳駿彥) was quoted as saying that since the imposition of tariffs, orders have fallen nearly 20%.

At the same time, Taiwan’s screw industry is being challenged by China. The New York Times reported that Taiwan’s overall exports surged last month, driven by tech companies. However, non-tech products such as screws, dropped almost 6% year-on-year.