Washington and Taipei Sign Sweeping Trade Deal – Feb. 13, 2026
Taiwan and the US sign a historic trade deal that does more than lower US tariff rates but it still has a legislative hurdle to clear. Dozens of US lawmakers are urging Taiwan's legislature to pass a US$40 billion special defense budget in the face of Chinese aggression. Plus, a recently sworn-in legislator fires back over her previous Chinese residency status. Also: - Taiwan's automakers are feeling pressure as the final trade deal with Washington is set to cut import tariffs on American vehicles to zero. - Feeling squeezed between the world's two largest economies, European leaders hold a summit to start hammering out plan to boost the EU's competitiveness. - 2.7 million travelers are expected to pass through Taiwan's biggest national gateway, taking advantage of two back-to-back holidays with the Lunar New Year travel rush and the 228 Memorial Day weekend.
