Taiwan’s president has asked U.S. lawmakers to support pending legislation aimed at streamlining trade between the two nations while calling for deeper cooperation in technology, trade, supply chains, and defense.
President Lai Ching-te made the request on June 18 during a meeting in Taipei with Reps. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) and Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.). McBath, vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, led the delegation.
The president said he hoped the U.S. Congress would swiftly complete legislation on avoiding double taxation between Taiwan and the United States in order to improve bilateral trade and investment.
Taiwan became the United States’ fourth-largest goods trading partner last year. U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis data show U.S. goods exports to Taiwan totaled $54.7 billion in 2025, while imports from Taiwan totaled $201.4 billion.
Tax Relief
Since Washington does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a regular tax treaty cannot be drawn up. The proposed U.S. legislation provides an alternative treaty-like option, embedding the agreement in U.S. tax code on confirmation that Taiwan has taken the required steps on its end.The House passed H.R. 33, the U.S.–Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act, by a 423–1 vote in January of 2025.
A Senate companion bill, S. 199, was introduced soon after and referred to the same committee. Congress.gov lists the Senate bill’s status as introduced.
Technology, Trade, Defense
Lai told the lawmakers that Taiwan would continue to deepen industrial cooperation with U.S. states.He described McBath's home state of Georgia and Foushee's state of North Carolina as centers of emerging industries and technology research, which match Taiwan’s push to upgrade its AI and high-tech industries.
Lai also noted Taiwan and the United States signed a letter of intent last month to establish a Taiwan–U.S. Semiconductor Education Alliance.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, who hosted the delegation at Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry on June 17, said Taiwan seeks to deepen cooperation with the United States in economic security, AI, digital infrastructure, and resilient supply chains.
Lai also linked the economic discussion to Taiwan’s security environment.
Pending Senate Action
U.S. business groups have also pressed Congress to act on the tax issue. In a November 2025 letter, the US–Taiwan Business Council said it joined trade associations urging Congress to pass legislation ending double taxation between the United States and Taiwan.The council said Taiwan is the largest U.S. trading partner without a tax agreement with the United States.
Congress.gov lists H.R. 33 as passed by the House and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. It lists S. 199 as introduced in the Senate and referred to the same committee.