-
Taiwan’s petrochemical industry unfazed by ECFA termination
The termination of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) has raised concerns about its impact on Taiwan’s petrochemical industry. However, corporate entities in Taiwan have stated that the impact has been limited. This is due to Taiwan’s efforts to reduce its dependency on China for exports, as China increases its domestic supply of petrochemical products. Taiwanese firms are expanding into other export markets and focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of their high-value products. The move is a response to China’s accusations of discriminatory bans and restrictive measures on Chinese products, which China’s Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council sees as violating the ECFA. The ECFA’s "Early Harvest List" included 88 tax reductions on Taiwan’s petrochemical industry by China. With the suspension of tariff privileges, these corporations anticipate that the tax rate on associated products could rise from the current 0% to between 2% and 10%.2023/12/22 18:10 -
Scholars predict halt to ECFA amid suspended tariff cuts
China has announced the suspension of preferential tariffs on certain products under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), potentially impacting cross-strait trade. Li Zhenguang, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Beijing Union University, suggests that this move could lead to the complete termination of the ECFA, creating uncertainty for the future. Tang Yonghong, deputy director of the Taiwan Research Center at Xiamen University, considers the suspension to be moderate and emphasizes that China will respond with corresponding measures if Taiwan imposes trade bans or limitations. The development of cross-strait trade is contingent on the relationship between the two sides, with trade being affected if relations become confrontational. China’s suspension of tariff concessions for 12 imported items is seen as a warning to Taiwan in defense of the "1992 Consensus," indicating China’s unwavering stance on cross-strait relations.2023/12/21 21:36