TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's economy minister Thursday (Sept. 4) expressed optimism that potential changes to U.S. tariff policies could benefit local industries following a federal appeals court ruling against most of former President Trump's global tariff measures. Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) responded to the legal development as the Trump administration prepares to take the tariff dispute to the Supreme Court. Kung assured continued government support for industrial upgrades and transformations amid ongoing trade policy uncertainties affecting Taiwan's export-dependent economy.
Kung highlighted government support plans for industries, including loan extensions, emphasizing that most existing policies will continue despite trade uncertainties. The minister recently visited central Taiwan to assess challenges facing the machine tool and machinery sectors, noting that traditional industries confront multiple difficulties beyond tariffs alone. Kung stated that Taiwan's overall economic performance leads Asia's Four Tigers, yet traditional industries remain significantly affected, reiterating that the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部) will provide comprehensive support for these struggling sectors.
Kung expressed comprehensive government support for industrial development, noting that implementation requires cross-departmental collaboration for park development and supply chain assistance. The minister has been discussing infrastructure improvements and investment incentives with local governments to strengthen Taiwan's manufacturing competitiveness. Young Liu (劉揚偉), chairman of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA, 電電公會), Taiwan's major electronics industry group, mentioned plans for establishing a dedicated TEEMA Science Park to support sector growth. ◼
