台湾“四大惨业”压力剧增

Group 1 - The implementation of a 20% "reciprocal tariff" by the US on Taiwan has led to significant distress in various industries, particularly in machine tools, molds, plastic products, and electronic components, collectively referred to as the "four major disasters" [1][2] - The average tariff rate for Taiwanese products exported to the US was previously 2.4%, but with the new tariffs, rates for specific products have surged, such as machine tools increasing from 4.7% to 24.7% [2][3] - The Taiwanese government estimates that between 42,000 to 59,000 jobs in industrial sectors will be affected, with at least 40,000 families facing economic hardship due to potential layoffs and reduced working hours [2][4] Group 2 - The Taiwanese machinery industry, which exported $14.921 billion in equipment in the first half of the year, is particularly vulnerable, with exports to the US amounting to $3.97 billion [4] - The recent tariff increases have led to a significant decline in competitiveness for Taiwanese exports, especially in the machine tool sector, which has seen a 30% reduction in competitiveness due to the combined effects of tariffs and currency appreciation [3][4] - There is a growing concern that other sectors, including pharmaceuticals, may face even steeper tariffs, potentially reaching 150% to 250%, which would severely impact Taiwan's pharmaceutical industry [4][5] Group 3 - The political response to the tariff situation has been critical, with accusations against the Taiwanese government for lack of transparency and effective negotiation strategies, leading to increased public dissatisfaction [5][6] - The current economic climate has prompted a wave of factory closures and relocations, with some manufacturing capacities shifting to countries like Vietnam, indicating a broader trend of industrial decline in Taiwan [4][7] - The overall sentiment in Taiwan's industrial sector is pessimistic, with many companies expressing that accepting new orders is akin to financial ruin due to rising costs and declining market prospects [4][5]