TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Manufacturers across Taiwan's industrial heartland are scrambling to expedite shipments during a brief tariff reprieve, as logistics bottlenecks threaten to undermine the opportunity. The Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA, 台灣工具機暨零組件工業同業公會), a leading industrial trade group, reported Monday (April 14) that companies face severe transportation constraints despite the temporary reduction to a 10% tariff rate for a 90-day period.
The temporary American tariff reduction has triggered a flurry of activity within Taiwan's legislative bodies. The Finance Committee (立法院財經委員會) of Taiwan's parliament has launched an economic assessment focused on Taichung, a major manufacturing hub. TMBA Chairman Patrick P. Chen (陳伯佳) acknowledged the mixed situation facing exporters, describing the lower tariff as beneficial while emphasizing that logistics constraints at ports continue to impede shipments.
Legislative Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), a prominent figure from Taichung, called for sophisticated diplomatic strategy as the tariff window creates both opportunity and pressure. Chiang stressed that government officials must conduct extensive preparation and aggressive advocacy during this pivotal timeframe. "Economic uncertainty creates the greatest damage," he warned, emphasizing that Taiwan's leadership must project confidence to reassure both businesses and the public.
Chiang further advocated for proactive engagement with agricultural stakeholders should discussions expand to include potential zero-tariff arrangements for farm and fishery products. The issue has drawn cross-party attention, with Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Legislator Yang Chiung-ying (楊瓊瓔) from Taiwan's main opposition party voicing concern about agricultural interests. Yang demanded that government negotiators elevate agricultural priorities and incorporate industry feedback rather than compromising the sector in broader trade discussions. ★