Overview

• Vice‑Premier Cheng Li‑chiun said the 50% production split was a United States idea, was not discussed in the latest round, and will not be accepted.
• U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had said Washington proposed an equal division of semiconductor manufacturing between the two sides.
• Cheng reported the talks in Washington had advanced a bit while Taiwanese exports continue to face a temporary 20% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump.
• Trump has also threatened a substantial tariff specifically on semiconductors entering the United States, increasing pressure on Taiwan’s chip sector.
• Taipei underscored its strategic position and leverage, noting TSMC’s U.S. investments will not shift most output off the island and signaling a commitment to buy about $10 billion in U.S. agricultural goods.