With Trump's tariffs threatening to deal a serious blow, can Taiwan still trust the US?

[WORLD] The actions of Donald Trump are fueling growing uncertainty in Taiwan about the dependability of American support. Despite Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te's repeated claims that relations with Washington are at their "best ever," the sweeping tariffs imposed by the US president earlier this month have shaken this optimism. Over recent years, the US has adopted increasingly unpredictable trade policies, frequently implementing measures that have significant consequences for its trading partners. This trend has been especially noticeable under the Trump administration, which has embraced a more protectionist approach.

Prior to the April 2 announcement, the Lai administration had expected Taiwanese exports to the US would face tariffs of no more than 10%. Instead, the surprise imposition of a 32% tariff took Taiwan off guard, sending shockwaves through key industries like high-tech manufacturing, which relies heavily on stable trade relations with the US. Taiwan’s economy is deeply integrated into global supply chains, with the US being a major export destination. The abrupt implementation of such steep tariffs has not only hurt the profitability of Taiwanese firms but has also sparked concerns about the long-term trajectory of US trade policies.

The repercussions of these tariffs extend beyond economic factors. Taiwan has long aimed to strike a delicate balance in its relations with both the US and China. The US has historically maintained strategic ambiguity regarding its commitment to defending Taiwan, and these recent trade actions have added a layer of complexity to that relationship. The Taiwanese government now faces the dual challenge of navigating these changing dynamics while managing the immediate economic fallout from the tariffs.

Furthermore, the US's trade policies are having broader consequences for the global economy. Countries that depend on trade with the US are also feeling the impact of these tariffs, which have contributed to a slowdown in global economic growth. This interconnectedness means the effects of US trade decisions ripple far beyond the nations directly involved, underscoring the importance of stable and predictable trade relations.

In response to these challenges, Taiwan is exploring various strategies to lessen the impact of the tariffs. This includes diversifying export markets and bolstering domestic industries to reduce reliance on any single market. However, these efforts will take time to bear fruit, and for now, the uncertainty surrounding US trade policy continues to cast a shadow over Taiwan's economic outlook.