US Launches Section 301 Investigation, Kung Ming-hsin: Limited Impact on Taiwan-US Negotiation Results

Central News Agency (Washington, May 6th, special report by Hou Tzu-ying) - Taiwan and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on investment cooperation and a reciprocal trade agreement earlier this year. In March, the U.S. launched a new round of 301 investigations, which included Taiwan. Minister of Economic Affairs, Kung Ming-hsin, stated today in Washington that both Taiwan and the U.S. hope that the results of the negotiations can be maintained; he believes that the 301 investigation will have limited impact on the existing negotiated results. Kung Ming-hsin and National Development Council Chairman Yeh Chun-hsien led a Taiwanese delegation to the U.S. to participate in the 2026 "SelectUSA Investment Summit" and held a press conference on the prospects of Taiwan-U.S. supply chain cooperation this afternoon. When asked by foreign media whether the U.S. launch of the 301 investigation would affect Taiwanese companies' willingness to expand investment in the U.S., Kung Ming-hsin responded that the U.S. investigations are primarily focused on forced labor and overcapacity. Currently, Taiwan basically does not have overcapacity issues; instead, its production capacity is insufficient to meet order demands. As for forced labor, he pointed out that Taiwan is establishing mechanisms to prohibit imports from countries with forced labor situations. Kung Ming-hsin stated that both Taiwan and the U.S. hope that the results of the negotiations can be maintained. He believes that the 301 investigation will have "limited impact" on the existing negotiated results. What is Section 301? Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act stipulates that when it is determined that there is discrimination against U.S. companies or a violation of U.S. rights in trade agreements, the U.S. government can impose additional tariffs. (Editor: Chen Yen-chun) 1150507. Stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom. Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news instantly. The text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.