US lawmakers push for free trade agreement with Taiwan

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Twenty-three members of the U.S. Congress penned a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday (March 22), urging him to pursue a formal free trade agreement (FTA) with Taiwan.

Led by Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), the letter requests the Biden administration to establish an FTA with Taiwan under the U.S.-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. It labels the East Asian country as a "steadfast ally" in Washington's fight against the expansion of Beijing's influence and military presence in Southeast Asia.

The letter says a bilateral FTA would generate significant economic benefits for both countries and create more opportunities for American manufacturers and farmers. It also points out that Taiwan, a top trading partner of Washington, imported over US$68 billion in goods from the U.S. in 2020.