Taiwan will not accept Washington's proposal to locally manufacture half the chips it currently supplies to the U.S., the island's top trade negotiator said.

Speaking to reporters, Cheng Li-chiun, also the country's vice premier, said on Wednesday that the proposal for a "50-50" split in semiconductor production was not even discussed, as she returned from trade talks in the U.S., according to Taiwan's Central News Agency.

Cheng said the talks were focused on lowering tariff rates, securing exemptions from tariff stacking — additional duties — and reducing levies on Taiwanese exports. Taiwan currently faces a "reciprocal" tariff rate of 20%.

Washington has held discussions with Taipei about the "50-50" split in semiconductor production, which would cut American reliance on Taiwan, Com

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