TAIPEI –Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te spoke at the 30th Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS) opening ceremony, encouraging all industries to work together amid challenges caused by changes in the political landscape.
Speaking through a translator, Lai called for reducing digital transformation costs through the implementation of artificial intelligence. He also expressed a desire to further develop "high value-added" industries such as drones, smart manufacturing, electric vehicles, aerospace, semiconductors and security.
Additionally, Lai highlighted Taiwan's goal of strengthening its domestic industrial supply chain before expanding its global reach.
Lai's remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens new tariffs on semiconductor imports and plans to double the 10% universal tariff charged on imports from China.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Taiwan makes over 60% of the world's semiconductors and about 90% of the most advanced chips.
TIMTOS 2025 opening ceremonyNolan Beilstein
TIMTOS 2025 promotes the theme "Integrate to Innovate." Co-organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI), the event highlights artificial intelligence and robotics, smart manufacturing and green sustainability.
TIMTOS 2025 runs March 3-8 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center and the Taipei World Trade Center. With over 1,000 exhibitors, the show expects to host more than 50,000 visitors from around the world.
TIMTOS 2025Nolan Beilstein
