Tariffs won’t enrich U.S., Pegatron chairman warns

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Pegatron's head on Tuesday (Dec. 17) urged the U.S. to prioritize trade partnerships with allies, including Taiwan, amid President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats. Pegatron Chairman Tung Tzu-hsien (童子賢) spoke after an event hosted by the Taipei Computer Association (台北市電腦公會), emphasizing that tariffs would not enrich the U.S.

Tung highlighted the U.S. government's annual revenue of US$5.3 trillion, with only US$84 billion, or 1.6%, coming from tariffs. He dismissed tariffs as a significant fiscal source, suggesting Trump's stance might be an electoral tactic to push a "China+1" strategy, seeking suppliers outside China. Tung stated that raising tariffs will directly affect U.S. importers and consumers, warning that penalizing friendly trade partners could create contradictions.

He expressed hope that Trump would rationally implement trade policies upon taking office, recognizing the importance of trade partners. Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (力積電) Chairman Frank Huang (黃崇仁) added that tariffs could not alter high U.S. manufacturing costs. He noted Taiwan's position as a semiconductor hub and said U.S. manufacturing policies should have a limited impact on Taiwan.