Tariff agreement to bring US, Taiwan closer: LaiBy Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNAA 15 percent tariff agreement reached with the US would bring economic and trade ties between the two countries even closer, President William Lai (賴清德) said today, urging lawmakers to support the deal. The agreement would help Taiwanese industries retain a foothold in Taiwan while also expanding their global footprint, Lai told reporters before appearing at the Taichung Exhibition of Various Trades and Industries. Japan and South Korea formerly had free-trade agreements or similar arrangements with the US, giving their exports a competitive edge over Taiwan, Lai said. Now everyone is on an equal footing, allowing Taiwanese companies the opportunity to expand into US markets, he added. Further negotiations still lie ahead, he said, adding that he hopes all ministries and relevant agencies would build on this foundation to complete an overall Taiwan-US trade agreement.
