As US President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on chips from Taiwan, Ministry of Economic Affairs officials are in Washington on a "routine visit" during which they will gather information, Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) said yesterday.
With Trump threatening to place a tariff of up to 100 percent on semiconductors produced in Taiwan, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang (江文若) flew to the US on Tuesday.
Photo: Lin Jin-hua, Taipei Times
Kuo said on Sunday that Kiang would meet with Trump's team in an effort to prevent the imposition of tariff, but did not repeat that claim yesterday.
Instead, speaking on the sidelines of a Taipei forum, Kuo told reporters that Kiang has long been responsible for international trade issues and her US trip includes "routine visits" and information gathering.
Asked if the ministry would communicate with Trump's team to clarify that Taiwan did not "steal America's chip industry," Kuo did not directly respond to the question, saying only that based on his observation and experience, many people lack an understanding of the history of semiconductor industry development.
Kuo said he would suggest the ministry's International Trade Administration engage more with external parties to enhance their understanding of the chip industry.
Amid uncertainties surrounding US tariff threats, Kuo said that the ministry has established a task force to integrate resources from Taiwan's overseas offices and provide real-time support for Taiwanese businesses abroad.
The ministry also plans to set up an investment and trade service center in the US to assist Taiwanese businesses with supply chain planning, he added.
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