Taiwan’s government has dismissed reports suggesting it is working with South Korea on issues related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed semiconductor tariffs. Speaking on Tuesday, Premier Cho Jung-tai said he had “no information” about any such collaboration and confirmed that Taiwan is currently engaged in direct negotiations only with the United States.
His comments followed remarks from South Korea’s trade minister, who said earlier that Seoul saw potential opportunities to cooperate with Taiwan as Washington considers adjustments to long-anticipated semiconductor tariffs. According to sources cited by Reuters last week, U.S. officials may delay implementing these tariffs, a move that could impact a key component of Trump’s economic strategy.
Addressing lawmakers in Taipei, Cho emphasized that Taiwan had taken note of the media reports but reiterated that “there is no such information” about joint efforts with South Korea. He added that Taiwan’s trade discussions remain strictly one-on-one with the U.S., while expressing hope that Taiwan’s supply chain would continue strengthening ties with globally complementary industries.
Although Taiwan currently faces a 20% tariff on exports to the United States, semiconductors are exempt. The government is pushing for tariff reductions as part of ongoing negotiations.
Cho also commented on the broader competition between Taiwan and South Korea in the advanced technology sector, describing it as largely “benign.” Both countries are major players in the chip industry, with Taiwan home to TSMC, the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer. South Korea hosts global semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, making the two economies central to global chip supply dynamics.
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