TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Trump (川普) announced Thursday (July 31) that South Korea (南韓) will invest US$350 billion (around NT$10.5 trillion) in a U.S.-owned and controlled investment plan while purchasing US$100 billion (around NT$3 trillion) worth of liquefied natural gas and other energy products. Taiwan has simultaneously proposed a US$400 billion (around NT$12 trillion) investment to secure the same 15% tariff treatment as Japan and South Korea, according to the United Daily News (聯合報).
Taiwan has not yet secured a comparable trade agreement with the United States despite its substantial investment proposal. TVBS correspondent Jessica Ni (倪嘉徽 ) asked U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about Taiwan's negotiation progress, but Greer expressed uncertainty and declined to comment on whether the discussions are approaching completion. The ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight Taiwan's determined pursuit of favorable trade arrangements similar to those achieved by regional partners.
Bloomberg reported Monday (July 29) that the U.S. government granted Taiwan a most-favored tax rate in ongoing trade negotiations. Informed sources revealed that Taiwanese officials believe this preferential rate stands at 15%, though the United States has requested Taiwan increase its proposed investment amount to secure the arrangement. These developments underscore the complex nature of bilateral trade discussions between Washington and Taipei. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.928)