Taiwan

Taiwan actively seeks bilateral free trade agreements, though it is hampered in this effort by its status vis-a-vis China. It has FTAs already with Panama (2003), Guatemala (2005), Nicaragua (2006), El Salvador (2007) and Honduras (2007). It is negotiating with Dominican Republic and Paraguay. And it hopes to negotiate further deals with Costa Rica, Israel, Swaziland, Japan, the US of course, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Mexico. Taipei’s emphasis on Central American countries as FTA partners is to gain access to the US market under NAFTA and CAFTA. But now Taiwan is in talks with China for a possible FTA following the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between the two governments in 2010.

last update: May 2012
Photo: simonwai/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0


Malay Mail | 9-Jan-2024
Taiwan and Canada signed a bilateral investment deal, boosting the Taiwanese government’s efforts to bolster business ties with like-minded democratic partners and possibly easing the island’s entry into a major pan-Pacific trade pact.
Taiwan News | 10-Nov-2023
Taiwan has signed an Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement with the United Kingdom, paving the way for talks about digital trade, green energy, and investments.
Reuters | 25-Oct-2023
Canada and Taiwan have completed talks on a bilateral deal to boost foreign investment and will work to make sure it takes effect promptly, Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng and Taiwan’s government said.
Taipei Times | 28-Jul-2023
Taiwan and the UK are to begin official-level talks on an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) in three key areas with the aim of signing a memorandum of understanding.
Taiwan News | 15-Jun-2023
Honduras told Taiwan it is ending their bilateral free trade agreement, effective from the end of 2023.
Focus Taiwan | 12-May-2023
Taiwan will suspend implementation of a free trade agreement with El Salvador from May 15, following the former Central American diplomatic ally’s decision to repeal the deal.