Taipei: A move by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 25 percent tariff on all steel imports is anticipated to place Taiwan-made steel, which already faces a 25 percent tariff, on an equal footing, according to the Taiwan Steel and Iron Industries Association.

According to Focus Taiwan, Hwang Chien-chih, head of the association, indicated that this equal footing is expected to enhance Taiwan's competitive position against other countries in the U.S. market. Taiwanese steel exporters have been subject to a 25 percent tariff by the United States since the late 2010s, and Hwang described the tariffs as "positive" for Taiwanese steel exporters.

On Monday, Trump signed two executive orders imposing the new metal tariffs on imported steel and aluminum with no exceptions or exemptions, effective in March.

According to international news media, Taiwan was the eighth largest steel exporter to the U.S. market in 2024, exporting 1.01 million tons of steel products, trailing behind Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

Hwang, who is also the chairman of China Steel Corp., Taiwan's largest steel maker, stated that the new executive orders, which revoke exemption status from Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the European Union, are expected to facilitate increased sales of Taiwanese steel products in the United States. He noted that the tariffs are likely to drive up steel prices in the U.S. market, benefitting Taiwan's exporters.

Hwang reported that prices for hot rolled steel products have increased to $837 per ton from $767 since Trump assumed office on January 20, with the potential to reach $1,000 per ton soon due to the tariffs.

An executive from Yieh Phui Enterprise Co., another key steel supplier in Taiwan, mentioned that the 25 percent tariffs primarily target major exporters like Canada and Mexico, which have significant trade surpluses with the U.S.

Once the tariffs come into effect, the executive predicted a decline in steel imports to the U.S. market, which could drive up product prices there. The executive added that Yieh Phui anticipates growing profitability from the rising steel prices in the U.S. market, which currently accounts for half of Yieh Phui's total exports.

Chung Hung Steel Corp., another Taiwanese steel maker, commented that the new tariffs will alter the current unfair competition in the U.S. market, as many countries enjoy exemptions, a trend favorable to Taiwan.

However, Hwang cautioned that Trump's steel tariffs could have dual effects on Taiwan's exporters. Countries losing tariff exemptions might redirect their products to other markets such as Asia or Europe at lower prices to compensate for lost U.S. sales, introducing new competition for Taiwan.

Hwang also noted that since the new tariffs will not take effect until March, there is a possibility that Trump could alter his decision before then, advising Taiwanese exporters to remain vigilant.