TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized the significance of Taiwan's recent tariff negotiations with the United States during an interview with Formosa TV (FTV, 民視) released on Tuesday (Jan. 27). Lai expressed hope that the Legislative Yuan (立法院) will support the 15% non-cumulative tariff outcome, preventing any potential reversal, as the recent precedent occurred in South Korea, which could harm the nation's economy.
In a post on social media, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday (U.S. time) that tariffs on South Korean exports to America would rise from 15% to 25% because the "Korean Legislature hasn't enacted our Historic Trade Agreement, which is their prerogative."
President Lai warned that a lack of support from Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, might lead to similar consequences, with American tariffs on Taiwan potentially rising to 25% or higher. The warning comes amid ongoing trade tensions between Washington and its Asian allies.
In the interview, Lai urged the opposition parties, including the Blue and White factions (a reference to the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), respectively), to prioritize national interests over party agendas. He stated that people and industrial matters are the most important. Lai highlighted the substantial efforts Taiwan invested in the tariff negotiations, collaborating with the industrial sector to achieve the favorable 15% non-cumulative tariff outcome. ◼