Taiwan terms chip business a ‘win-win’ as it responds to Trump’s tariff threat

Taiwan-US semiconductor trade thrives with TSMC investment in Arizona, emphasizing complementarity and win-win business model.

Semiconductor business between Taiwan and the United States is a "win-win" model for both sides given the high level of complementarity, the government said on Tuesday in response to tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

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Home to the world's largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the island is a key link in the global technology supply chain for companies such as Apple and Nvidia.

Mr. Trump said on Monday (January 27, 2025) he plans to impose tariffs on imported chips, pharmaceuticals and steel in an effort to get the producers to make them in the United States.

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"Taiwan and the U.S. semiconductor and other technology industries are highly complementary to each other, especially the U.S.-designed, Taiwan-foundry model, which creates a win-win business model for Taiwan and U.S. industries," Taiwan's Economy Ministry said in a statement in response.

The Ministry "will continue to pay attention to U.S. policy going forward, and there will be close contact and cooperation between the two sides to ensure that Taiwan's and U.S.' industries and national interests can develop in a mutually beneficial way in the face of global challenges".