Rumors of Taiwan Offering $250 Billion in Corporate Investments Over 4 Years as Tariff Bargaining Chip Denied by Executive Yuan: Interferes with International Negotiations

The U.S. has imposed a temporary 20% tariff on Taiwan, and negotiations are still ongoing. According to a report by Storm Media, Taiwan's offered bargaining chips include guaranteeing full market access and Taiwanese companies investing $250 billion over four years. In response, the Executive Yuan's Taiwan-U.S. Trade and Economic Work Group stated today (23rd) that after verification, the report was published without fact-checking with the responsible trade negotiation authorities, making it an incorrect report. The figures and items mentioned also largely deviate from the actual negotiation situation, and the negotiations have not yet been finalized. Such unverified negotiation information not only interferes with international negotiations by spreading uncertain details but also misleads the public. The work group expressed deep regret.

Storm Media reported that Taiwan has guaranteed full market access for U.S. goods, including the elimination of tariffs on vegetables, fruits, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and products such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. Additionally, it aims to resolve all SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) issues related to beef and pork. Regarding investment commitments to the U.S., Taiwan would ensure that Taiwanese companies invest a total of $250 billion in the U.S. over four years. In terms of procurement from the U.S., Taiwan has committed to purchasing $130 billion worth of goods over four years and $300 billion over the next decade.

The Executive Yuan's Taiwan-U.S. Trade and Economic Work Group pointed out that in the current U.S. negotiations with countries worldwide, the topics discussed include tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers, investment, and procurement, aiming to address trade deficit issues with various nations. Taiwan is no exception.

The work group stated that Taiwan obtained a temporary reciprocal tariff rate on August 1, and negotiations with the U.S. on reciprocal tariffs are still ongoing, including discussions on Section 232. Particularly on issues such as investment and supply chain cooperation, which are crucial to the next phase of Taiwan's global industrial layout and economic development, all discussions are still ongoing, and no specific monetary amounts have been agreed upon. Taiwan will continue to prioritize national interests, industrial interests, national security, and public health and welfare as the overarching principles of the negotiations.