How Will Zero Tariffs on U.S.-Made Passenger Vehicles and the Removal of U.S.-Spec Import Quotas Impact Taiwan’s Automotive Market?
On February 13, the Executive Yuan officially announced the signing of the “Taiwan–U.S. Reciprocal Trade Agreement” (Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, ART) with the United States. Among the numerous industrial provisions, the most market-disruptive measure is the reduction of import tariffs on “U.S.-manufactured passenger vehicles” from 17.5% to 0%, alongside the removal of import quota restrictions for models compliant with FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards). Several trade and economic scholars have described this move as a pivotal policy “capable of reshaping the structure of Taiwan’s automotive market.” It will not only redefine the competitive landscape of the luxury segment, but also exert long-term effects on the domestic manufacturing system and the broader consumer market ecosystem.