TAIWAN-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of TAIWAN exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting TAIWAN imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | TAIWAN | | Country Code | TW | | Total US Imports | $160.19 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 6+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 0-25% (MFN + potential Section 301/232) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 6+ different products from TAIWAN in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Computing machines (HS 8471)

Import Value: $80.33 billion (50.1% of total)
HS Code: 8471
Tariff Rate: View HS 8471 TW tariff

Computing machines is a major export from TAIWAN, representing 50.1% of bilateral trade.

2. Semiconductors (HS 8542)

Import Value: $48.76 billion (30.4% of total)
HS Code: 8542
Tariff Rate: View HS 8542 TW tariff

Semiconductors is a major export from TAIWAN, representing 30.4% of bilateral trade.

3. Storage media (HS 8523)

Import Value: $13.53 billion (8.4% of total)
HS Code: 8523
Tariff Rate: View HS 8523 TW tariff

Storage media is a major export from TAIWAN, representing 8.4% of bilateral trade.

4. Electrical transformers (HS 8504)

Import Value: $8.13 billion (5.1% of total)
HS Code: 8504
Tariff Rate: View HS 8504 TW tariff

Electrical transformers is a major export from TAIWAN, representing 5.1% of bilateral trade.

5. Diodes, transistors (HS 8541)

Import Value: $6.49 billion (4.1% of total)
HS Code: 8541
Tariff Rate: View HS 8541 TW tariff

Diodes, transistors is a major export from TAIWAN, representing 4.1% of bilateral trade.

6. Control panels (HS 8537)

Import Value: $2.94 billion (1.8% of total)
HS Code: 8537
Tariff Rate: View HS 8537 TW tariff

Control panels is a major export from TAIWAN, representing 1.8% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Computing machines | 8471 | $80.33B | 50.1% | | 2 | Semiconductors | 8542 | $48.76B | 30.4% | | 3 | Storage media | 8523 | $13.53B | 8.4% | | 4 | Electrical transformers | 8504 | $8.13B | 5.1% | | 5 | Diodes, transistors | 8541 | $6.49B | 4.1% | | 6 | Control panels | 8537 | $2.94B | 1.8% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

MFN Tariff Rates: TAIWAN products enter under Most-Favored Nation rates:

Base Rates: 0-15% depending on HS classification
Average Rate: Varies by product category
Section 301 Risk: Potential additional tariffs if trade disputes arise
FTA Status: No current free trade agreement with US

Tariff Considerations:

Product-specific rates vary widely
No preferential access like USMCA countries
Lower than China but higher than Mexico/Canada

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific TAIWAN products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

TAIWAN goods typically ship to the US via:

Ocean Shipping:

Container services from major TAIWAN ports
Transit times: 7-25 days depending on route
Freight rates vary by season and capacity

US Ports of Entry:

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 10-20 days | Port-to-port | | Air Freight | 3-7 days | Premium option | | Door-to-Door | 18-30 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

Moderate risk (potential Section 301 actions)
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Regional supply chain bottlenecks
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge TAIWAN tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from TAIWAN
Current Tariff: 5-15%
Hedge: Buy "TW-US Tariff > 25%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on TAIWAN:

Blend TAIWAN with multiple regions
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Consider shifting production to USMCA countries:

Mexico/Canada offer 0% tariffs
Shorter supply chains
Lower tariff risk

Related Resources

TAIWAN Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
Section 301 Tariffs - China trade actions
Container Shipping Routes - TAIWAN-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04