Washington: The United States has agreed to lower tariffs on Taiwanese goods from 20 percent to 15 percent, following the conclusion of trade negotiations with Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Executive Yuan on Friday (Taiwan time). The tariff reduction will not be stacked on existing most-favored-nation (MFN) rates, marking a significant shift in trade relations between the two nations. According to Focus Taiwan, the agreement also includes provisions that grant semiconductors and related products the most favorable treatment under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. This move signifies a strategic alignment in the technology sector, aiming to enhance supply chain investment cooperation and deepen Taiwan-U.S. strategic collaboration on artificial intelligence. The revised tariff rate of 15 percent aligns with U.S. tariffs on goods from other major trade partners, including Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. The adjustment reflects a broader U.S. strategy to strengthen economic ties with Taiwan wh ile fostering a competitive trade environment.