Will changes in the U.S. midterm elections impact the Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade agreement? Executive Yuan: Maintain close communication

Will the changes in the U.S. midterm elections affect the Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade agreement? Executive Yuan spokesperson Lee Hui-chi said that Taiwan and the United States maintain close communication. (Photo provided by the Executive Yuan)

The results of the U.S. midterm elections are out, and the Democratic Party has regained control of the House and Senate with an overwhelming majority. Some members of the House of Representatives have expressed their intention to push for an end to Trump's tariffs. Will external attention affect the Taiwan-US Trade Agreement (ART) and the ongoing Section 301 investigation? Executive Yuan spokesperson Lee Hui-chi pointed out at a press conference after the meeting today (5th) that Taiwan and the United States continue to maintain close communication, and the government will make every effort to consolidate national and industrial interests, and fully assist manufacturers in their layout to ensure industrial competitive advantages.

According to media reports, as the Democrats win control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, they may pass legislation to repeal some of the tariffs imposed by Trump, such as the tariffs on Canadian goods; they may also repeal some of the outdated legal provisions that Trump used to support tariff measures, such as Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which has never been invoked in the past.

Since the trade agreement we negotiated with the United States in the past received cross-party support, the outside world is concerned about whether it will be affected. Li Huizhi said that Taiwan and the United States signed an ART and investment MOU at the beginning of this year, and Taiwan is also one of the countries that has reached an agreement with the United States. We will continue to maintain close contact and communication with the United States, and strive to consolidate our national and industrial interests. We will also fully assist manufacturers in their layout and ensure the competitive advantages of exporting countries and industries.