Cheng Li-wun

Money Moves

Leading parliamentary opposition to trade agreement

The United States produced 37% of the world's semiconductors in 1990, but by 2024 that share had fallen below 10%, with Taiwan manufacturing over 90% of the most advanced chips. A $500 billion US-Taiwan trade framework, initiated with a January 16, 2026 memorandum and formally signed February 12, commits Taiwanese firms to $250 billion in direct US investments plus $250 billion in credit guarantees for semiconductors, AI, and energy in exchange for 15% tariffs (down from 20%).

Updated Feb 13