Taiwan’s Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun has traveled back to Washington to lead another critical round of Taiwan-US tariff talks. President Lai Ching-te confirmed her return during a recent Democratic Progressive Party meeting, stressing the importance of this stage in negotiations. The current round marks the fourth in a series of escalating discussions between Taiwan and the United States.
Talks began shortly after the U.S. imposed a steep 32% tariff on certain Taiwanese imports. In response, both governments agreed to enter a 90-day dialogue to reassess the trade terms. A temporary 10% tariff has been applied during this negotiation period.
Cheng previously led the third round of Taiwan-US tariff talks, where she stated that negotiations had reached a critical juncture. According to her, the outcomes of this round could determine the direction of future trade relations between the two economies. The Taiwanese delegation aims to reduce tariffs while protecting domestic industries and preserving public health standards.
President Lai emphasized two key priorities. The first is the deepening of trade ties between Taiwan and the U.S. The second is the protection of Taiwan’s core interests, including industry stability, national security, and food safety. He stressed that Cheng’s mission is to secure a balanced and fair agreement that benefits both parties.
While the exact duration of the latest talks remains unclear, officials are under pressure to finalize an agreement before the official deadline. Time is short, and both teams are working intensively to close any remaining gaps in policy and expectation. Previous talks included an initial video conference, followed by three in-person sessions held in the United States. These discussions have covered key sectors such as technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. Both sides appear committed to achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.
As the fourth round of Taiwan-US tariff talks unfolds, the stakes are high for Taiwan’s economy. A successful agreement could lead to stronger bilateral cooperation and increased trade flows. Conversely, a failure to reach terms may worsen trade tensions and affect regional stability. The coming days will be crucial as negotiators attempt to bridge differences and outline a clear path forward for Taiwan-US economic relations.
