TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A senior U.S. Department of Agriculture official arrived in Taiwan Monday (Sept. 29) for agricultural trade discussions as bilateral economic tensions intensify over semiconductor policy. Luke J. Lindberg, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dined with Taiwan officials, including Ministry of Economic Affairs Chief Secretary Ming-Chih Chuang (莊銘池) and Deputy Agriculture Minister Tu Wen-chen (杜文珍) in Taipei. Speaking to reporters, the U.S. official promoted premium U.S. steaks from Snake River Farms during the official dinner.
The visit comes amid ongoing tariff negotiations, with Taiwan's exports to the United States currently subject to a 20% tariff despite the island running a large trade surplus with America. Lindberg avoided discussing agricultural tariffs with Taiwanese officials during the dinner meeting. The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which handles the unofficial relationship between Washington and Taipei, outlined its three-day Agribusiness Trade Mission schedule, including meetings with the U.S. Meat Export Federation and Taiwan meat industry leaders. His agenda features a roundtable with U.S. agricultural representatives and a forum co-hosted by AIT and the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council.
According to reports, Taiwan's Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) traveled to the U.S. for potential discussions with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik (盧特尼克). Lutnik proposed splitting U.S. chip production 50-50 between Taiwan and America to reduce American dependence on Taiwanese semiconductors. The Commerce Secretary emphasized that reducing reliance on Taiwan's chips would ensure the U.S. capability to protect Taiwan, if necessary. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations confirmed Monday that "both sides continue to actively engage in consultations on economic and trade issues, including reciprocal tariffs," though officials declined to provide further details.
Taiwan produces the majority of global semiconductors, but this supply remains vulnerable to potential Chinese invasion. President Donald Trump previously suggested America should receive more compensation for defending Taiwan against China, the People's Republic of China. The Trump administration has threatened 100% tariffs on semiconductor imports, exempting companies investing in American production, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest foundry. Taiwan's government said earlier this month that it hoped for a more favorable tariff rate from the United States after talks achieved "certain progress," highlighting the ongoing nature of bilateral trade negotiations. ◼
