讀後心得

The United States imposes a 32% tariff on Taiwan, significantly impacting the fastener industry in Kaohsiung, which includes screws and nuts. The industry's export value to the U.S. reaches 52.3 billion, accounting for 92% of its exports. Industry operators are concerned about the possibility of order shifts, especially if Vietnam receives zero tariffs. The Kaohsiung City Government has established a task force to help mitigate the impact of the tariffs. Although challenges are currently being faced, industry operators urge the government and enterprises to work together to promote industrial upgrading.

The United States announced a 32% tariff on Taiwan, with the export value of fasteners such as screws and nuts from Kaohsiung to the U.S. being approximately 52.3 billion, accounting for 92% of its total exports. An initial assessment indicates that this will have the most severe impact. Industry players revealed that Taiwan's fastener industry faces its biggest competitors from China and Vietnam. If the Vietnamese government's proposal for zero tariffs receives approval from the U.S., it could lead to order shifts. The Kaohsiung City Government has established a "Tariff Response Economic Strategy Task Force" to seek subsidies from the Executive Yuan and assist businesses in mitigating the impact of the tariffs.

The Ben-Chou Industrial Zone in Gangshan, Kaohsiung, is the largest fastener industry cluster in Taiwan, with various products ranging from small eyeglasses to large machinery needing fasteners. This has made Taiwan the third-largest fastener exporter in the world. However, following the U.S. announcement of the 32% tariff, some businesses are feeling uneasy. Fastener manufacturers in Gangshan indicated that the initial impact may be a reduction in shipment volumes, as clients might choose to pause orders due to the new tariffs.

According to statistics, the metal processing output value in Kaohsiung is 233 billion, with exports to the U.S. reaching 56.4 billion. Among these, the export value of fasteners such as screws and nuts to the U.S. is as high as 52.3 billion, accounting for 92% of exports. Industry players pointed out that facing competition from China and Vietnam, if Vietnam can implement zero tariffs, it will have a significant impact on Taiwan. They emphasized that if Taiwan's tariffs remain at 32% or higher, orders will inevitably shift to Vietnam.

However, some industry players pointed out that the fastener industry has already been affected by the Section 232 measures rather than just the current 32% tariff. Whether the tariff is 25% or 32%, it is significantly higher than the previous 6.5-8%. The Kaohsiung City Government plans to assist businesses in alleviating the impact of this wave of tariffs through three major measures: "establishing an industrial connection platform," "forming an industry advisory group," and "setting up a labor care group."

Legislators stated that they will actively voice the concerns of various industries in Kaohsiung at the central level to mitigate potential impacts. With only a few days remaining until the new tariffs take effect, businesses are observing the situation, hoping for continued communication between the government and the U.S. Facing future uncertainties, industry players can only adjust their strategies as needed.