According to Taiwan’s United Daily News and China Times on August 7, US President Trump announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imported chips and semiconductors, exempting only those manufactured in the US. Kuomintang Chairman Eric Chu stated that this move has placed significant pressure on Taiwan’s core supply chains, including wafer fabrication, integrated circuit (IC) design, and servers, and will inevitably shake up the global technology landscape.
Zhu Lilun; File Photo; Source: Taiwanese Media
Reports indicate that Zhu Lilun stated that the Tsai Ing-wen administration’s strategic lag is a fact. In the face of global supply chain restructuring, various countries and regions are rapidly deploying new strategies. However, the Tsai administration remains stuck in an “anti-China” mindset, lagging behind in overall industrial strategic planning, and its economic officials have been slow to react to the US actions. From “reciprocal tariffs” to today’s 100% chip tariff, coupled with the appreciation of the New Taiwan dollar, businesses face a triple whammy, operating under uncertainty and enduring constant impacts.
Zhu Lilun stated that Taiwan has fallen significantly behind and should immediately launch a “Strategic Industry Root in Taiwan Plan.” This plan should include the release of an industrial impact assessment report, outlining specific transformation and support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises, traditional industries, and the high-tech sector.
Zhu Lilun stated, “The Lai administration must honestly face the challenges, shoulder the responsibility, and stop the infighting.” Taiwan needs a comprehensive risk assessment, a clear industrial contingency strategy, and forward-looking economic planning to show the world Taiwan’s preparedness, instead of repeating mistakes and passively taking the blows.