NDC plans measures as reciprocal tariffs push Taiwanese firms to reshore

Taipei, April 4 (CNA) Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC) said Friday it will roll out support measures to help local businesses adapt to rising U.S. tariffs, as many Taiwanese firms in Southeast Asia face higher reciprocal duties than in Taiwan and are considering moving production back home.

Planned measures include improving the investment environment, boosting innovation, and helping industries build new competitive advantages, NDC Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清) said at a news conference.

The announcement follows U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 32 percent reciprocal tariff on Taiwanese goods, prompting Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to unveil an NT$88 billion package covering nine policy areas and 20 initiatives aimed at helping exporters manage risks and adapt.

According to Liu, the government will also assist firms in expanding domestic operations or restructuring supply chains to assemble products in Taiwan, as long as they meet rules-of-origin requirements for more favorable U.S. tariff treatment.

Further efforts will focus on talent, land access, research and development support, and using national investment funds to spur innovation and high-paying job creation, the NDC said.

The NDC added that a full plan "will be announced soon."