TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s trade finance interest relief program has cut NT$3.6 billion (US$113.88 million) in borrowing costs, benefiting 4,789 firms as exporters grapple with global uncertainty, Export-Import Bank of Taiwan said Monday.
The bank said businesses are facing rising energy costs, price fluctuations, and uncertainty over US tariff policies, per CNA. Traditional industries and small and medium-sized enterprises have been particularly affected, it added.
The Ministry of Finance has rolled out a dual-track support scheme combining trade finance interest reductions and export insurance premium discounts, the bank explained. The measures aim to lower funding costs while helping firms manage trade risks.
Since its launch in August 2025 through the end of April, the program received 7,942 applications. Approved financing stood at NT$538.6 billion.
SMEs accounted for about 88% of approved cases. By sector, wholesale and fabricated metal products firms made up the largest share of applicants, followed by machinery, plastics, and basic metals.
Under the program, standard firms can receive a 1% annual interest reduction capped at NT$1 million, while SMEs can receive a 1.5% cut capped at NT$1.2 million. Eligible companies include those exporting to the US or affected by tariff disruptions.
The bank is also promoting export insurance discounts to support risk management and market expansion. As of April, 739 firms had received premium reductions across 10,741 cases, totaling NT$98 million.
