Concerns mount as first batch of Trump tariffs announced at up to 40%

Concerns mount as first batch of Trump tariffs announced at up to 40%

2025-07-08

Talks are still underway regarding Trump’s tariffs on Taiwan. So far, the US has announced finalized numbers for 14 countries. Stiff rates as high as 40% have been slapped on countries such as Myanmar and Laos, while Japan and South Korea are facing tariffs of 25%. Amid concerns from Taiwan businesses, President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Premier Cho Jung-tai held a video call with the negotiating team in the US to get the latest updates. Let’s hear more.

Karen Kuo
Presidential Office spokesperson
Yesterday’s video call lasted about 50 minutes. During the meeting, the president underscored that Taiwan remains committed to deepening bilateral trade relations with the US in the face of the US’ tariff policy. He encouraged the negotiating team to defend the interests of our country and our industries, while keeping public health and food security at the core of talks and striving for fair rates.

Dachrahn Wu
NCU Department of Economics
The key issue here is agricultural products such as pork and beef from the US, because Taiwan has always insisted on protecting the health of its people. Japan and South Korea probably had better terms than Taiwan, but they still got slapped a rate of 25%. I think we should prepare mentally.

Former Vice Premier Shih Jun-ji says there are two potential reasons for the current deadlock in negotiations. The first is that Taiwan refuses to remove non-tariff barriers on US pork and beef imports, and maintains requirements on labeling their origin. The second is that Taiwan is unwilling to lower tariffs on US vehicles, which the US does not find acceptable.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#tariffs #trump #trumptariffs #trade #economics

川普對等關稅陸續公布首批14國關稅25至40％

2025-07-08

川普對等關稅陸續開獎，公布的14國當中，緬甸、寮國40%最高，日、韓25%，但台灣還沒定案，也讓各界相當憂心。但其實，總統賴清德、副總統蕭美琴、行政院長卓榮泰等7日深夜和遠在美國的談判團隊視訊50分鐘，緊盯台美談判最新進度。

[[總統府發言人郭雅慧]]
“昨天這場視訊歷時大約50分鐘，總統在視訊當中強調，面對美國政府的對等關稅政策，我國始終秉持深化台美經貿關係。總統勉勵談判團隊，務必以維護國家以及產業利益，維護國民健康以及糧食安全作為核心的任務，為國家爭取合理的關稅。”

[[中央大學經濟系教授吳大任]]
那最主要的我想是跟農產品，美豬、美牛這個議題比較有關，因為我們本來就是要堅持，要照顧我們民眾的健康。日本韓國他們的談判條件可能也不會比台灣差，但是他們都25%，所以呢我是覺得我們可能還是得有點心理準備。

前行政院副院長、也是經濟專家的施俊吉，分析可能原因，談判觸礁，一是不願撤銷對美豬、美牛的非關稅壁壘，堅持要標示原產地，二是我方不願調降對美汽車進口關稅但遭美方拒絕。

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Flooding in Lukang, Changhua incurs great losses for locals

A strong downpour on Changhua’s Lukang Township on Tuesday morning left the area terribly flooded, even though Typhoon Danas has already passed. The historic Lukang Mazu Temple, the touristy old street and residential buildings all suffered damage. People traveling in the rain were also trapped for hours due to the flooding.

Heavy rain batters and floods Lukang. Scooter drivers got off their vehicles to walk them after they’ve broken down.

The road turned into a veritable stream. Passers-by make their way across cautiously.

The ancient Lukang Mazu Temple was not spared from the heavy storm. At the courtyard, the legs of the incense burner and offering tables are all submerged.

Although drainage pumps are running at full speed, it’s not enough against the heavy rain. According to the Central Weather Administration, from 9 to 10 in the morning, both Lukang and Fuxing townships in Changhua had an hourly precipitation rate of over 100mm.

Liu Chia-wen
Lukang Mazu Temple
It’s mainly because of the heavy rains in the morning. The sudden downpour from the thunderstorm could not be drained, that’s why it’s so flooded.

After the flooding subsides somewhat, shop owners along the Lukang Old Street and locals begin to clean up. A shop owner says the flooding this time is even more severe than during Typhoon Gaemi last summer. He also says that he’s prepared upfront, but it still wasn’t enough this time round.

Local shop owner
We’re prepared for the worst. So everything’s moved up. But there are still things you can’t prepare for. I didn’t expect the flood level to be so high, only around here. But this time both drawers were flooded.

Meanwhile, a woman was only running errands at the market and preparing to go to the hospital, but got trapped in the flood. She only escaped after someone carried her out of the flooded area on his back.

Trapped in flood
I couldn’t walk. There was so much water. It’s terrible.

Other patients heading to Lukang Christian Hospital weren’t so lucky. Because of the flood, cars were trapped for over six hours nearby. Residents at a building across the hospital also suffered serious losses.

The water went straight into the basement via the slope at the entrance. All the cars parked inside were flooded over. By the time residents arrived from their workplace, it’s already too late.

Resident
When I got back I saw that it’s completely flooded. There’s no saving anything now.

Resident
We have three scooters and a car parked down there. Only looking at the three scooters, they’re worth almost NT$300,000. I cried as soon as I got back, but it won’t help, because the flood is already so high.

The sudden downpour destroyed vehicles parked underground, incurring great losses for locals.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#typhoon #naturaldisasters #changhua #lukang #extremeweather #typhoondanas #danas #typhoonwatch

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Hualien hospital gives patients free freshly-baked cookies

Some hospitals give out free flu shots and checkups, but in Yuli, a local hospital gives out free snacks. The Yuli Branch of Taipei Veterans General Hospital now provides delicious free biscuits and buns for patients who’ve been waiting for a long time to see the doctor. That’s because wait times can be lengthy in rural Taiwan, and the hospital wants to prevent hypoglycemia. The response to the tasty treats has been a thumbs up.

Each cookie gets an egg wash and into the oven they go. In a short while, these fresh and delicious cookies are ready to eat.

But these freshly-baked cookies are not for sale. They are given out free of charge to patients at the Yuli Branch of Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

Patient
They’re delicious, very well-made. I have low blood sugar, so when I saw them giving them out, I was very happy. I had seen a post about it on Facebook. It’s delightful.

Ms. Chiang
Patient
It’s very heartwarming. Even though the kids were all shy, I think it’s great. They give us something and we feel very grateful.

This branch of Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Yuli Township in Hualien is the largest medical institution between Fenglin Township and Taitung. It provides care for people from central and southern Hualien, and as far as Taitung residents. It also cares for about 1,000 people with mental disabilities and helps those with mild symptoms take part in society.

The hospital has an area so that disabled residents can build on their strengths, selling snacks and tea at affordable prices. But with so many patients waiting for treatment and long wait times, the hospital realized it was risky for patients suffering from hypoglycemia. So the biscuits and bread are now given out for free as well.

Chen Yu-chun
Vice superintendent
Our residents with mental disabilities are giving back to the community. They are the best. They have learned how to make delicious snacks here, and they want to share them. By sharing, they get a beautiful warm feeling.

It’s not easy to see a doctor in the countryside. In order to ensure that people who have been waiting for a long time will not go hungry, the hospital provides snacks to patients, soothing not only their stomachs but also their hearts.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#heartwarming #cute #biscuits #caring #sharing

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Fish head soup eatery in Chiayi gains an international reputation

Taiwan is known as a foodies’ paradise, and one of its delicacies is fish head soup from Chiayi. Today, we catch up with Lin Chia-hui, who heads Smart Fish, a beloved Chiayi eatery that has been serving its famous succulent soup for more than 70 years. Lin says her dream is to improve Chiayi’s international visibility. Let’s hear more.

After deep frying, the head of a silver carp is put into a broth that has been simmering for 10 hours. The big pot contains ingredients such as Chinese cabbage, tofu skin and tofu. This delicious taste has been popular in Chiayi for more than 70 years.

Lin Chia-hui
Smart Fish CEO
This dish is actually our home-cooked dish. We would go out on the street and share it with our neighbors. After tasting it, they said it was delicious. Why don’t you sell it? A customer even told me she would only get married once she had downed a bowl.

Lin Chia-hui is the third generation manager in the family business. When she was just 6 months old, she was taken around in the bustling eatery. When she went to junior high school, she started serving diners and washing dishes.

Lin Chia-hui
Smart Fish CEO
Actually, my dream is to make Chiayi visible. Chiayi is really rarely reported on or mentioned. Maybe there is Alishan, chicken rice, and some good life or experiences. People may skip this city. I never wanted to be overlooked.

In 2019, a streaming platform made a documentary about delicious snacks in nine countries in Asia. In Taiwan, the focus was Chiayi. This documentary gave the old restaurant an international reputation.

Lin Chia-hui
Smart Fish CEO
The power of stories is very important. For example, when Americans came, they saw the story and filmed the process. They came here to eat fish heads. They would actually eat them all up. For the dishes in Taiwanese, we write out the Latin alphabet. For example we call the fish head soup “sa-ko hi-thau.”

Insisting on marketing her hometown in Taiwanese, Lin took her business north and opened eateries in Taiwan’s capital.

Lin Chia-hui
Smart Fish CEO
It took me more than 20 years to take this step. My mother said “Chia-hui, you are blessed, as your elders can see your achievements today.”

It’s a Chiayi snack that has been passed down for three generations, not only retaining its great taste, but also gaining an international reputation.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#fishheadsoup #fishhead #delicacy #localeats #chiayi #taiwan #food

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Danas fatalities: Farmer crushed by coconut tree, respirator user in blackout

Two people died on Monday morning as Typhoon Danas swept over Taiwan. One of the deceased was a 69-year-old farmer who had been taking mangos to the market and was crushed by a coconut tree. The other fatality was a 60-year-old borough warden who was reliant on a respirator. A blackout caused by the storm cut his oxygen supply and he lost his vital signs before his family was able to get him to hospital.

Typhoon Danas swept over Southern Taiwan, causing a blackout that cost a person his life.

It was 60-year-old Mr. Chen, a local borough warden who relied on a respirator. His medical equipment was left without power in the storm. With no oxygen supply, his family took him to hospital, but by the time they arrived, Mr. Chen had no vital signs. Resuscitation efforts failed.

Lin Chien-nan
Tainan North District head
He had chronic illness and was bedridden. He still had everything under control, he was doing quite well. We at the district office are distraught to have lost such an excellent borough warden.

Neighbor
He relied on the oxygen supply. The typhoon caused a blackout, and since the respirator was turned off, he couldn’t get any oxygen. He passed away yesterday morning.

Mr. Chen’s neighbors are devastated. Experts say families with medical needs like his should ideally keep an electricity generator at home just in case.

Tsai Yun-cheng
Long term care provider
Nowadays there are portable oxygen concentrators that can last two to eight hours. Some people get generators or backup batteries if they are concerned about power outages.

Another fatality was a farmer in Nansi District, who was crushed by a coconut tree while driving his truck. At about 2:30 a.m. on Monday, the 69-year old had been taking mangos to the market, when the palm fell on his truck. His son, who was also traveling on the vehicle, was sent flying.

Chiang Sen-yuan
Zhaoxing borough warden
The base of the tree was spoiled. The typhoon blew it down, and the palm fell on the victims, just when they were passing by.

The typhoon caused blackouts that affected 710,000 households, left two people dead and more than 600 injured.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#typhoon #typhoondanas #danas #naturaldisasters #mourning #scary #blackout #respirator

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Viral flavored fries from Philippines set up shop in Taipei

Potato Corner, a viral fries outlet from the Philippines is setting up its first shop in Taipei. The outlet will be in Songshan District, and be operated through a local distributor. The past two years have been great for foodies in Taiwan. From US fried chicken brand Popeyes to legendary Korean BBQ restaurant Gold Pig, more and more viral celebrity-favorite foods are making their way here.

The self-proclaimed “World’s Best Flavored French Fries” outlet, Potato Corner was established in 1992 in the Philippines. It now has more than 2,000 stores worldwide, including in the US, South Korea and Indonesia. Recently, a Taiwanese restaurant group posted several job openings for a Potato Corner outlet in Taipei’s Songshan District, offering a monthly salary starting at NT$40,000 for four to five management associates. But what do locals think about this new international brand?

Member of public
New things do catch my attention.

Member of public
I think I’ll try it. It’s novel and I haven’t tried it before. It’s the price that matters, because usually those newly introduced brands are quite pricey.

Member of public
I think I’ll try the fries, because I’m not a fan of sweet desserts. I think fries also go well with an alcoholic drink. Pricing between NT$120 to NT$150 is acceptable.

Many Insta-famous restaurants have recently set up shop in Taiwan, from Japan’s “I’m donut?” in Taipei’s East District, to Popeyes from the US and celebrity-favorite Korean BBQ restaurant Gold Pig. But what are the pros and cons of taking on a viral brand?

Li Shyh-Jane
Food company manager
We call it a multi-brand but refined management, meaning each and every brand is done very well, so much so that it becomes a must-try among the general public. That way, the product can quickly go viral. That kind of FOMO culture easily props up a brand for under half a year, or even half a year, and maybe a year at most. But that’s also the biggest risk with taking on viral brands.

The industry insider adds that these viral brands must continue to innovate in order to avoid falling into the “egg-tart effect” trap, which can be likened to a one-hit wonder in the food industry. Fortunately, Taiwan’s restaurant industry is still growing. Last year, the industry turned revenue of just under NT$1.04 trillion, a 3.6% year-on-year growth. Locals are also willing to line up for the hottest food items. The real challenge, it seems, is staying on top of the game after the hype subsides.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#potatocorner #fries #chips #shakeys #philippines #台北美食

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