Amid Trump's tariff threat, minister touts 'routine' U.S. visit, info gathering

Taipei, Feb. 13 (CNA) As U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on chips from Taiwan, Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) said Thursday that officials from his ministry are currently in Washington on a "routine visit" during which they will gather information.

With Trump threatening to place a tariff of up to 100 percent on semiconductors produced in Taiwan, Deputy Economics Minister Cynthia Kiang (江文若) flew to the United States on Tuesday.

Kuo said on Feb. 8 that Kiang would meet with Trump's team in an effort to prevent the imposition of tariff, but on Thursday did not repeat that claim.

Instead, speaking on the sideline of a Taipei forum that day, Kuo told reporters that Kiang has long been responsible for international trade issues and the U.S. trip includes "routine visits" and information gathering.

Asked if the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) would communicate with Trump's team to clarify that Taiwan did not "steal America's chip industry," Kuo did not directly respond to the question, saying only that based on his observation and experience, many people lack an understanding of the history of semiconductor industry development.

Kuo said he would suggest the ministry's International Trade Administration engage more with external parties to enhance their understanding of the chip industry.

Amid uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariff threats, Kuo said that the MOEA has established a task force to integrate resources from Taiwan's overseas offices and provide real-time support for Taiwanese businesses abroad.

The ministry also plans to set up an investment and trade service center in the U.S. to assist Taiwanese businesses with supply chain planning, he added.

In a speech to Republicans on Jan. 27, Trump said he intended to impose tariffs on Taiwan to bring chip production back to the U.S. He claimed that about 98 percent of the chip business went to Taiwan, and "we want them to come back."