TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a recent interview with Fox News on Sunday (Feb. 4), Republican primary candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to reapply tariffs on Chinese goods if he wins the November presidential election, adding that the rate could exceed 60%.
Trump offered no clear answer on whether he would assist Taiwan if China were to attack, but noted that his Iowa victory led to a significant drop in the Chinese stock market, demonstrating his influence.
As reported by The Washington Post, Trump plans on imposing a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, a number he suggested might increase.
Trump is leading in the Republican primary and is expected to face incumbent President Joe Biden in November.
From 2018 to 2019, Trump gradually imposed tariffs amounting to US$250 billion on Chinese imported goods during his term, igniting a trade war with China. The trade war led to increased consumer costs and global market upheavals, resulting in a stalemate in U.S.-China relations.
After assuming office, Biden retained Trump's tariff policy and banned the export of advanced semiconductors and semiconductor production equipment on the grounds of national security.
Trump disputes rumors of another trade war with China, stating, this isn't a trade war, adding that he has handled all matters related to China very well.
Besides China, Trump will also impose a 10% tariff on all imported goods. On his negotiation strategy, Trump remains purposely ambiguous to maintain leverage. This repeats his pattern of vagueness, seen in a Fox News interview last July regarding whether he would assist Taiwan in the event of an attack.
In addition, Trump criticized Taiwan for "taking all our semiconductor jobs," stating that the U.S. used to manufacture its own chips, whereas now, Taiwan produces up to 90%. He opined that the U.S. should have imposed tariffs and trade barriers on Taiwan earlier.