Taiwan can hold talks with the United States at any time on the tariff issue, the country's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said, quoted by Reuters, reports BTA.
He made his remarks a day after the island's stock market plunged on trade fears.
Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, was hit with a 32% tariff and was listed by the US administration as a trading partner with a significant trade surplus with the country.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has proposed a zero-tariff regime with the United States, more investment in the country and the removal of trade barriers.
Lin Chia-lung said Taiwan was ready to negotiate on various issues with the United States, including investment, purchases and non-tariff barriers. "As long as there is a confirmed time and method for negotiations, they can be discussed at any time with the United States," he added.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said Taiwan had expressed interest in discussing tariffs with the United States.
Premier Cho Chung-tae indicated that Taiwan was indeed one of the U.S. trading partners seeking negotiations, and the government would choose an appropriate time to present Lai's plans to the United States.
Cho declined to provide details about the negotiations with the United States, Taiwan's most important international supporter despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. "We definitely have a comprehensive plan, we have the right people, and we will be able to go and have positive negotiations," he assured.
Taiwan has repeatedly said that its large trade surplus with the United States is due to growing demand for technology, as its enterprises are major suppliers to companies such as Apple and Nvidia.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan expressed serious concerns about the tariffs and urged Washington to exempt the island from trade actions that could "threaten the stability and trust that are the foundation of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship."