讀後心得

Multiple countries in the United States rushed to contact the White House regarding Trump's tariff policy, hoping for relief. Nevertheless, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross emphasized that the tariff policy would not be delayed and would continue for several days or weeks. Starting from April 9, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on goods from more than 180 countries, with Taiwan's tariff being 32%. Over 50 countries are engaging in trade negotiations, but the White House insists that the tariffs will strengthen the self-sufficiency of American manufacturing. President Lai Ching-te proposed five contingency strategies, emphasizing that Taiwan would not retaliate against the tariffs and plans to start negotiations with zero tariffs. The government has dispatched representatives to the U.S. for related discussions.

Countries affected by Trump's reciprocal tariffs are racing against time, with over 50 nations calling the White House, hoping that the Trump administration can "spare the people." However, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross pointed out that Trump's tariff strategy will not be postponed, stating it "definitely will continue within days or even weeks."

On the 2nd, President Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on goods sold to the United States from over 180 countries, and imposed higher reciprocal tariffs on about 60 countries, with Taiwan facing a 32% tariff effective from April 9. White House economic official Kevin Hassett indicated that more than 50 countries are engaged in trade negotiations with the White House. Although these countries are ready to negotiate, Ross emphasized on CBS News that Trump's tariff policy "is not a joke." He pointed out that "the implementation of the tariffs will not be delayed; it is obvious."

Ross also stressed that "the president needs to reset the global trade order," reiterating that the tariff measures will create more manufacturing job opportunities, making the U.S. more self-sufficient in critical product production such as pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, and semiconductors.

He mentioned that the semiconductor sector was not included in the baseline 10% tariffs announced by Trump or individual reciprocal tariffs but may become a target for taxation in the future. Trump will further study these items and plans to move semiconductor manufacturing from Taiwan back to the U.S.

To address the U.S. reciprocal tariff policy, President Lai Ching-te today proposed five contingency strategies through a video, including that Taiwan does not intend to impose tariff retaliation and that corporate commitments to invest in the U.S. will not change, provided it aligns with national interests. President Lai also stated that tariff negotiations could refer to the USMCA, beginning discussions from a "zero-tariff" standpoint.

Informed sources revealed that the government has sent personnel to Washington to negotiate about the reciprocal tariffs, aiming to enhance the content of negotiation plans and increase negotiation efforts.