Taiwanese business leaders are urging the government to accelerate negotiations with Washington on double tax avoidance and investment protections as firms plan US investments to counter potential tariff hikes. The Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce called for a dedicated task force to address trade and security issues, citing Taiwan’s USD73.9bn trade surplus with the US as a risk factor. The Trump administration’s proposed 25% tariffs and reciprocal tax policies could hit Taiwan’s semiconductor and electronics industries. Leaders also seek tariff exemptions and stronger economic cooperation with the US. With AI driving US economic growth, Taiwanese firms are encouraged to expand investments to strengthen ties with US customers, as South Korean and other competitors vie for market share.