Taiwan says trade delegation in Washington for talks on potential deal

23/7/2025 17:52

Taiwan's government said on Wednesday that a trade delegation led by the vice premier was in Washington, D.C., for a new round of in-person negotiations with U.S. officials this week.



U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed imposing tariffs of as much as 32% on Taiwan. No new tariffs have yet been announced for the democratically-governed island, although the 90-day pause on worldwide tariffs Trump proposed in April has already expired.



The delegation, led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun, seeks to safeguard Taiwan’s industrial interests, public health, and food security, according to a cabinet statement. The talks aim to promote balanced trade, and improve the overall economic and trade framework between the two sides, it added.



"The team will continue working under the principles of protecting Taiwan's industries and public welfare," the statement said. "We hope to optimise the trade system and lay the groundwork for a stronger partnership in the future."



The Taiwan talks come as trade negotiations in the region accelerate. On Wednesday, the United States and Japan announced a trade agreement that includes a 15% U.S. import tariff on all Japanese goods, lower than the 25% Washington had proposed previously.