讀後心得

The United States has implemented a 32% high tariff on Taiwan. Premier Su Tseng-chang held a press conference to respond to this policy. Kuomintang legislator Hung Meng-kai questioned whether the government had prior knowledge that the tariff could exceed 30% and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the press conference. He pointed out that the NT$88 billion subsidy proposed by the Executive Yuan cannot solve the problem and that there was no clear explanation of the challenges that Taiwan's industries may face in the future. He criticized the government for lacking effective response measures and urged the DPP government to take the current predicament seriously to avoid further internal conflicts.

The United States has imposed a high tariff of 32% on Taiwan, and the Executive Yuan's Premier held a press conference to explain the government's response measures. KMT legislators pointed out that in light of the United States' level of tariffs, questions arose from yesterday's press conference about whether the government had long been aware that the tax rate might exceed 30%. If so, why was the press conference held so late? If not, can this press conference bring any substantial help?

The legislator mentioned that the outside world originally thought the government might have other countermeasures, but the content of the press conference showed that the government's cards had already all been revealed, making its actual capabilities transparent. For example, the Ministry of Agriculture's enhancement of the cold chain and the Ministry of Labor's Employment Stability Fund, were they not implemented in the past? He emphasized that under the current situation, is the government informing the public of the possible issues they may face? Taking last year as an example, if a 32% tariff is imposed, Taiwan will lose NT$1.3 trillion, while the NT$88 billion subsidy mentioned in the press conference is merely one-tenth of NT$1.3 trillion and clearly cannot solve the problem.

He pointed out that the press conference did not explain the potential difficulties that Taiwan's industries might face after the 32% tariff is added, and the government did not honestly inform the public about the situation they will confront. The situation was still treated as being downplayed as usual. He also mentioned that the Cambodian government responded in a timely manner and communicated with the U.S. when faced with a similar situation, while Taiwan's government did not have a corresponding reaction, which is concerning.

The legislator emphasized whether Taiwan still has stronger resources. As a major exporter of electronic components and semiconductors, when TSMC was asked to invest in the U.S., the government did not protest but rather accepted the reality. If there had been awareness of corresponding tariffs back then, perhaps there would be more negotiation space and levers now. He criticized the current situation as not being as simple as the DPP government believes, calling on the government to care about the challenges faced by domestic industries and the public, and not to continue ignoring these issues.

Further reading: Regarding Trump's 32% tariff on Taiwan, please continue to follow the latest news on reactions from various sectors and subsequent impacts.