The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) held its annual press conference on Thursday, presenting the latest TAITRA Index. Chairman James Huang (黃志芳) identified Donald Trump’s second term and his trade policies—particularly tariffs—as key factors influencing Taiwan’s economy in the coming year.
The index highlighted growing optimism among manufacturers about exports, particularly to North American and Southeast Asian markets. However, uncertainties persist regarding exchange rates, with roughly one-third of exporters expecting the US dollar to depreciate, remain steady, or appreciate. This demonstrates significant unpredictability in currency trends.
Huang noted that 60% of surveyed exporters anticipate Trump will enforce his proposed 10–20% tariffs, though 30% remain optimistic that the rates will be lower. Nearly 70% of companies reported an ability to transfer part of these costs to buyers, showing a degree of resilience among Taiwanese exporters. Huang emphasized that American reindustrialization presents a serious challenge for Taiwanese businesses, underscoring Taiwan's critical role in global supply chains.
To prepare for the "Trump 2.0" era, Huang announced that TAITRA will publish regular economic updates and host a flagship Taiwan Expo in Dallas, Texas, next August. This initiative aims to provide Taiwanese businesses with the tools and insights needed to adapt to U.S. reindustrialization policies while promoting Taiwan’s image abroad.