US government is willing to talk, William Lai says, as KMT chief slams ‘serious setback’ and local media hint at billions in concessions
Lai’s pledge on Friday came after President Donald Trump imposed what Taipei described as a “temporary” 20 per cent levy on Taiwanese exports to the United States.
“The 20 per cent tariff rate was never Taiwan’s target to begin with. We hope in follow-up talks we are able to strive for a rate that’s more favourable and reasonable for Taiwan,” Lai said at a press conference in Taipei.
Trump imposed tariffs ranging from 10 to 41 per cent on imports from dozens of US trading partners in an executive order issued on Thursday.
Canada, Brazil hardest hit as Trump unleashes new global tariff blitz
