TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's economic leadership is swiftly adapting to a temporary reprieve in U.S. trade tensions following President Trump's unexpected decision to pause his threatened reciprocal tariff regime. The American leader announced Wednesday a 90-day suspension of the more punitive measures, opting instead for a milder 10% baseline tariff on imports. Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) affirmed Thursday (April 10) that his ministry (MOEA, 經濟部) would maintain industry support programs despite the shifting trade landscape.
Speaking to reporters before his scheduled appearance at the Legislative Yuan's Economic Committee (立法院財委會), Minister Kuo outlined a comprehensive support strategy targeting multiple vulnerable sectors. The plan encompasses assistance for agriculture, fisheries, livestock producers and strategically important industries, with particular emphasis on sustaining Taiwan's small and medium-sized enterprises. Kuo indicated that officials are tailoring relief packages to address the specific challenges faced by different manufacturing segments, with detailed implementation plans to be unveiled formally next week.
The economic minister also addressed questions about a high-profile opinion piece published by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) in Bloomberg (彭博社). The article, titled "Taiwan Has A Roadmap for Deeper U.S. Trade Ties," outlines the island's strategic approach to strengthening economic relationships with Washington. Kuo emphasized that his ministry's policy initiatives remain fully synchronized with the president's vision for navigating the complex trade relationship during this period of uncertainty.
