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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Taiwan has reinforced its trade strategy with the United States by appointing a former executive from TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor foundry, to a key position within its trade negotiation office. The government’s move to bring in an expert with direct experience in TSMC’s North American operations signals an intention to lead semiconductor-centered tariff talks from a position of strength.
According to industry sources on May 14, Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) under the Executive Yuan has appointed Ms. Fang-Wei Lin, a former legal counsel at TSMC, as its new Chief Legal Advisor. In this role, Lin will play a central part in shaping Taiwan’s trade policies and leading international negotiations.
“It is both the worst and best of times to join the OTN,” Lin said. “I am committed to contributing to Taiwan’s trade strategy during this period of uncertainty by leveraging my experience in the semiconductor sector, especially with U.S. regulations and negotiations.”
From 2022 to 2024, Lin worked at TSMC’s North America headquarters in San Jose, California, where she was responsible for legal compliance and advisory in areas such as export control regulations, labor law, and corporate procedures. She also oversaw legal matters related to TSMC’s subsidiary in Washington State, TSMC Washington (formerly WaferTech).
Taiwan’s decision to appoint a legal expert with deep knowledge of TSMC’s North American operations reflects its determination to take a proactive role in trade negotiations with the U.S., particularly amid looming tariff pressures. The Trump administration has proposed a 32% reciprocal tariff on Taiwanese imports, which is currently on hold.
Unlike private-sector-led initiatives, Taiwan’s government is taking the lead in negotiations. A government task force, led by Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan, has been established, and the Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan has been dispatched to Washington to advance discussions on tariff issues.
알파경제 Kim Jisun (stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
