New US tariff rate to take effect before legislative approval: ChengBy Fion Khan / Staff writer, with CNAThe US showed trust in Taiwan by allowing tariff reductions to take effect via the federal register before formal legislative approval in Taipei, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) said yesterday in Washington following the signing of a trade agreement with the US. As the agreement is now to be sent to the legislature for approval, Cheng, who led Taiwan's negotiating team, expressed hope that lawmakers would support the pact. Photo: CNADuring the fifth round of negotiations, the US had indicated that it preferred tariff reductions to take effect only after legislative approval, she said. However, Taiwan argued that tariff reductions should take effect as soon as possible after the agreement was signed, she said. While the US occasionally used tariff increases to advance negotiations, Taiwan remained focused on securing most favorable treatment, she said.

Source: Taipei Times February 13, 2026 07:24 UTC