The U.S.-Taiwan economic relationship has been a model of free trade, economic growth, and prosperity in Asia. Taiwan’s liberal market economy and central location have made it a hub of global commerce, and its bilateral annual trade with the United States today is valued at over $60 billion. But the future of the U.S.-Taiwan economic relationship cannot be taken for granted: Taiwan has been excluded from regional free trade talks, and risks being marginalized.

How would a U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement (FTA) strengthen the bilateral relationship and foster further economic liberalization in Taiwan? What major changes could the United States expect to see in Taiwan’s economy and markets after a FTA? How would it impact both Taiwan’s and America’s trade relations with China? How would a U.S.-Taiwan FTA create leverage for future U.S. trade negotiations with other major trading partners in Asia? On July 25, AEI will hold a conference to answer these and other questions related to U.S.-Taiwan relations. Steve Ruey-Long Chen, Taiwan’s deputy minister of economic affairs and top trade agreement negotiator, will present keynote remarks.