讀後心得

U.S. President Trump has imposed a 32% tariff on Taiwan. The Ministry of Finance plans to reduce the tariffs on automobiles by 17.5% and health foods by 30% in response to this policy. At the same time, customs will strengthen efforts to crack down on transit and smuggling, preventing Chinese products from being imported into the U.S. through Taiwan. The industry believes that this tariff measure may lead to fluctuations in the Taiwanese stock market, and the National Security Fund may hold meetings ahead of time to defend the market. Experts suggest that businesses review product valuation, plan for origins, and restructure supply chains to reduce the impact of tariffs. Regarding whether Taiwanese businesses will significantly invest in the U.S., experts point out that the high costs and changes in tariff policies in the U.S. make relocating there potentially unprofitable, and Taiwanese businesses need to observe carefully before making decisions.

In response to the U.S. President's imposition of a 32% reciprocal tariff on Taiwan, the Ministry of Finance plans to lower the tariff on automobiles from 17.5% and gradually reduce the 30% tariff on health food products. It is expected that the Ministry of Finance will respond to this situation through three strategies, including reviewing the tax rates of certain high-rate products, increasing measures to prevent origin laundering, and strengthening the crackdown on transshipment and smuggling activities to prevent Chinese products from using Taiwan to launder their origin, becoming targets for U.S. retaliation.

Market analysis believes that the U.S. reciprocal tariff on Taiwan exceeded expectations, which could lead to movement from foreign capital and cause significant fluctuations in the Taiwanese stock market. The National Stabilization Fund plans to hold a regular meeting on the 14th and does not rule out the possibility of convening early to authorize interventions in the stock market if it continues to decline.

Experts suggest that businesses can adopt three major strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs. First, they should review their pricing strategies for goods sold to the U.S., using the first sale principle to lower the taxable base of imported goods and reduce tariff costs. Second, they should engage in origin planning to obtain origin interpretations and support for product identity, thus reducing the additional tariff impact caused by differing origins. In addition, they should restructure their supply chains, such as establishing factories in U.S. foreign trade zones or utilizing relevant trade agreements to gain more tariff advantages.

Regarding whether Trump's reciprocal tariffs will drive Taiwanese companies to invest heavily in the U.S., experts believe this is unlikely. First, the costs of investing in the U.S. need to be carefully calculated, especially for Taiwan's traditional industries and electronics sector, where profit margins are relatively low. Additionally, the complex tax system and high personal income taxes in the U.S. make relocating investments to the U.S. not necessarily cost-effective. Furthermore, the sustainability of Trump's tariff policies needs to be observed, as these policies not only affect Taiwanese businesses but also impact U.S. customers and consumers. If the increased tariff costs are borne by U.S. customers and consumers, it may lead to backlash, and Trump will ultimately need to consider domestic U.S. conditions to adjust his strategy.