TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's government is maintaining its economic defense posture despite a temporary reprieve in trade tensions with the United States, officials said Thursday (April 10) after President Donald Trump unexpectedly reduced punitive tariffs against the island. The American leader announced a 90-day suspension of the planned 32% duty on Taiwanese imports, implementing instead a more modest 10% tariff that will also apply to 74 other economies worldwide. Michelle Lee (李慧芝), spokesperson for the Executive Yuan (行政院), confirmed that authorities would preserve all 20 previously announced support measures for vulnerable export industries.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) convened an emergency cabinet session where he characterized Trump's announcement as offering valuable negotiating space rather than a reason to relax protective measures. The government will maintain comprehensive support across nine strategic sectors through our established 20-point intervention program, with adjustments reflecting current conditions, Cho told ministers. The premier outlined a dual approach: pursuing intensive bilateral negotiations during the 90-day window while simultaneously implementing President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) five-pillar strategy to strengthen Taiwan's position in global supply chains and enhance economic resilience against external pressures.
The government will unveil detailed implementation guidelines for affected businesses seeking assistance on April 14, according to Premier Cho, who directed cabinet departments to immediately deploy allocated budgets and emergency reserves to provide rapid support. Economic officials are simultaneously drafting special regulations that would streamline relief delivery through expedited administrative procedures. Analysts note that Taiwan's methodical response to the tariff threat—maintaining readiness while pursuing diplomatic solutions — reflects lessons learned from decades navigating complex economic relationships amid persistent geopolitical pressures from neighboring China.