讀後心得

U.S. President Trump announced the implementation of a reciprocal tariff policy against multiple countries, and Taiwan is facing a tax rate of 32%. This policy indicates that U.S. consumers and businesses will bear the costs of the trade war, particularly impacting prices for laptops, footwear, toys, and apparel, which will be the first to see price increases. In addition, tariffs faced by China reach 54%, and if further tariffs are imposed on related countries, they could soar to 79%. The price increases for various goods have become a reality, and whether companies will pass on costs will depend on the specific circumstances.

The President of the United States announced the implementation of reciprocal tariff measures against countries around the world, with Taiwan's tax rate set at 32%. This policy officially launched on the 2nd, indicating that the U.S. will engage in a trade war with multiple countries. Reports indicate that the costs of this trade war will mainly be borne by American consumers and businesses. Under the scenario where "everything will become more expensive," the four categories of products that will be affected the earliest are laptops and tablets, footwear, toys, and apparel.

According to reports, this is the first comprehensive tariff policy introduced after Trump returned to the White House. It is no longer a question of "what might become more expensive," but rather "when will the prices rise." If the announced plan is implemented, only certain specific goods from Mexico and Canada will be exempt, while imported goods from other countries will face at least a 10% tariff. Especially, the 60 countries marked by the U.S. government as "countries with the most severe trade barriers" will have higher tariff rates, with China being placed at the forefront. Starting April 9, the U.S. will impose a 54% tariff on nearly all goods imported from China. If Trump imposes an additional 25% tariff on countries trading oil with Venezuela, the overall tax rate could reach as high as 79%. Vietnam, as the sixth largest source of imports for the U.S., will also face a 46% tariff.

Under the impact of these tariffs, the following four types of products are likely to see price increases the soonest:

• Laptops and Tablets: The main sources for U.S. laptop and tablet imports are China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, with an import value of $47.2 billion. Almost all consumer electronics, including smartphones and computer monitors, may face price increases. Additionally, due to the U.S. dependence on Taiwan for semiconductors, if related costs rise, the prices of automobiles and home appliances will also increase.
• Footwear: China and Vietnam have previously exported $18.5 billion in footwear products to the U.S., accounting for 70% of the total footwear imported. Price increases are almost unavoidable.
• Toys: China and Vietnam are the primary sources of toy imports for the U.S., with total exports reaching $15 billion last year. The toy industry's profits are thin and difficult to absorb the costs, and it is expected that toy prices will rise by at least 30% after the new tariffs take effect.
• Apparel: China and Vietnam export apparel valued at $14 billion to the U.S., which will face tariffs ranging from 26% to 49%. The tariffs will significantly impact the fashion industry.