讀後心得

Kaohsiung City has established a cross-departmental task force to respond to the newly announced tariff policy by the United States, particularly regarding its impact on the fastener industry. This policy subjects Taiwan to tariffs as high as 32%, significantly affecting the output value of the metal processing industry in Kaohsiung, especially concerning the NT$56.4 billion market exporting to the United States. Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated that when industries face difficulties, the city government will assist businesses by establishing an industry connection platform, forming advisory groups, and setting up labor care teams, among other measures, to mitigate the impact and stabilize employment. The government will also actively collaborate with central policies to help industries adapt to new challenges.

In response to the impact of tariffs on the fastener industry, Kaohsiung City has established a cross-departmental task force. The new tariff policy announced by the U.S. President will affect the global economy, and Taiwan faces heavy tariffs of up to 32%. Although some items, such as steel and semiconductors, are temporarily exempt, this could still have a significant impact on Kaohsiung's fastener industry. The output value of metal processed products in Kaohsiung City reaches NT$233 billion, of which NT$56.4 billion is exported to the U.S., and the fastener industry accounts for NT$52.3 billion, with an export share as high as 90%. Therefore, the Kaohsiung City Government has established a cross-departmental task force to formulate corresponding strategies and work hard to minimize the impact.

According to reports, the Executive Yuan's Premier announced at a press conference that NT$88 billion will be invested to reduce the impact, and the Kaohsiung City Government is closely coordinating with central policies, integrating departments such as the Economic Development Bureau and the Ocean Affairs Bureau to establish the "Kaohsiung City Task Force on Responding to Counter Tariff Economic Strategies," hoping to assist local businesses in overcoming difficulties.

According to investigations, the industry most affected by the tariff adjustments is the metal processing products that are not exempt. The output value of related metal processing products in Kaohsiung City is approximately NT$233 billion, with products exported to the U.S. amounting to about NT$56.4 billion, accounting for 24% of the total output value. Notably, the fastener industry, including screws and nuts, exports NT$52.3 billion to the U.S., making up 92% of the export share.

Although the semiconductor industry is not within the scope of this tariff adjustment, major export products such as servers and computer accessories may still be indirectly affected by changes in market demand. In terms of agricultural products, Kaohsiung City's main agricultural products, such as guava, have relatively low export volumes to the U.S., while the export ratios of pineapple and guava are also not high; aquatic products mainly consist of tilapia, which faces an initial tariff of 10% upon entering the U.S. market, potentially adjusting to 32% later. The agricultural sector is also formulating relevant countermeasures and will cooperate with the city government to assist local agriculture and fisheries in mitigating the impact of tariffs.

The mayor stated that the new tax rates do not accurately reflect the state of trade between Taiwan and the U.S. and hopes the central government can continue communication with the U.S. to protect the country's industrial interests. To help businesses cope with the impact of tariffs, the Kaohsiung City Government has established the "Task Force on Responding to Counter Tariff Economic Strategies," proposing three major measures, including the "Establishment of Industry Connection Platforms," the "Formation of Industry Guidance Groups," and the "Establishment of Labor Care Groups" to assist businesses in reducing the impact of U.S. tariffs.

• Establishment of Industry Connection Platforms: Establish collaboration mechanisms with industry associations and park service centers to ensure timely grasp of the scope of industry impact.
• Formation of Industry Guidance Groups: Organize cross-departmental advisory groups to assist businesses in seeking policy support from the central government, providing technical upgrades and market diversification suggestions.
• Establishment of Labor Care Groups: Ensure the rights and interests of workers, providing labor-management coordination, vocational training, and employment matching services.