“The Executive Yuan found the decision highly unreasonable and deeply regretted it, and will initiate serious negotiations with the US,” cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee said.

Trump announced sweeping new tariffs overnight that included a 32% levy on Taiwan.

Semiconductor chips, a sector that Taiwan dominates and has been a source of friction between Washington and Taipei, were excluded from the levies.

But, analysts warned that tariffs on components would have a knock-on effect for the critical chip industry.

Taiwan had drawn up plans to help local industries hit by possible US tariffs, economic affairs minister Kuo Jyh-huei said Tuesday, ahead of Trump’s announcement.

Taiwan’s trade surplus with the US is the seventh highest of any country, reaching US$73.9 billion in 2024.