Weekly Tariff & Trade Update | Key Moves This Week (Feb 9-Feb 13)
→ US + Taiwan Trade Framework – Tariffs are the headline. Regulatory alignment & semiconductor strategy are the real story.
The US and Taiwan reached an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade that reshapes tariffs, regulatory alignment, and high-tech investment across a $185B trade corridor.
Here is what matters operationally:
- Tariff structure resets
US applies the higher of MFN or 15% on originating Taiwanese goods, while certain aligned products are excluded from reciprocal tariffs.
- Taiwan eliminates or reduces 99% of tariff barriers on US goods
Expanded access across autos, machinery, chemicals, electrical products, metals, medical products, and key agricultural categories.
- Non-tariff barriers meaningfully reduced
Taiwan will accept US vehicle safety and emissions standards without additional requirements and accept US FDA authorizations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
- Semiconductor and strategic sector alignment deepens
Taiwan companies plan to expand investment in US semiconductors and electronics manufacturing, with preferential treatment in certain Section 232 semiconductor investigations. More than $84B in planned US purchases from 2025 to 2029 across LNG, crude oil, aircraft, and power equipment.
If you operate in semiconductors, autos, medtech, aerospace, energy, or agriculture, this is structural. Your 2026 sourcing model should already reflect it.
- Fact Sheet on U.S.-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
- Presidential Action – ESTABLISHING AN AMERICA FIRST ARMS TRANSFER STRATEGY – securing American dominance across international defense exports.
- JOINT STATEMENT ON A FRAMEWORK FOR UNITED STATES-NORTH MACEDONIA AGREEMENT ON RECIPROCAL, FAIR, AND BALANCED TRADE
- JOINT STATEMENT ON UNITED STATES – BANGLADESH AGREEMENT ON RECIPROCAL TRADE
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – ARGENTINE REPUBLIC AGREEMENT ON RECIPROCAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT –
