TAIPEI -- Taiwan will import 30% more soybeans from the U.S. in 2018 and 2019 to improve relations with President Donald Trump by extending a lifeline to states hit hard by Chinese tariffs ahead of crucial U.S. elections.
The decision to purchase up to 3.9 million tons of soybeans valued at $1.56 billion from states like Minnesota and Iowa was made late last month when Taiwanese trade officials and business leaders visited the U.S. The public and private sectors are making every effort to build a mutually beneficial relationship, Stanley Kao, the island's representative to the U.S., said in a statement.
