Taiwan - Country Commercial Guide
Selling Factors and Techniques

Identifies common practices to be aware of when selling in this market, e.g., whether all sales material need to be in the local language.

Last published date: 2022-09-16

Price is the most important consideration for most Taiwan buyers. As a result, it is also the most common complaint regarding U.S. products and services. American businesses are frequently frustrated that Taiwan firms do not always factor in life-cycle costs when negotiating a purchase. Although attitudes are changing, most Taiwan firms will only pay a higher price for a product if they see a short-term payoff. The second and third most important considerations for Taiwan buyers are quality and after-sales service, respectively.

When selling products in Taiwan, the marketing, labeling, product instructions, and sales literature must be written in traditional Chinese characters. Detailed information about labeling is available at the Commerce Industrial Services Portal on the Ministry of Economic Affairs website here.

Trade Promotion and Advertising

Taiwan executives stay informed about current trends in their industries by reading international trade journals and participating in major trade events both in Taiwan and abroad. In most major industries, industry associations work with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to organize local trade shows. Participating in major trade shows and advertising in relevant Taiwan trade publications are useful ways to boost sales in the market. Local partners often give the best advice on where and how to advertise effectively.

Information about upcoming trade shows in Taiwan is available on TAITRA’s website. TAITRA also offers several helpful lists, including a frequently updated calendar of TAITRA-sponsored trade shows, international conferences, and exhibitions held at the Taipei World Trade Center and the Nangang Exhibition Center.

The following are some of Taiwan’s major commercial newspapers and business publications:

  • Business Weekly
  • Commercial Times
  • Commonwealth
  • Taiwan News
  • Economic Daily News
  • Management Magazine

Taiwan’s advertising sector is comparable to that of other developed economies and covers a wide range of media. However, Taiwan advertising is known for a complicated network of “do’s and don’ts,” particularly in regard to the protection of women and children, that may require reference to other laws and regulations.

The Cable, Radio and Television Act, which governs advertising using these media, specifies that all commercials must be pre-approved by the relevant official department(s). The duration of advertisements may not exceed one-sixth of a program’s total transmission time. Additionally, there are other content restrictions for television and radio advertising, especially for alcohol and tobacco products.

Digital and social media are effective marketing platforms in Taiwan. For additional information, please visit the Digital Marketing subsection under the eCommerce section.

CS Taiwan offers fee-based services to help U.S. companies promote their products and services in Taiwan. It also organizes U.S. Pavilions to help American companies participate in Taiwan trade shows. The Trade Event Partnership Program (TEPP) and Trade Event Menu of Services (TEMS) services support trade shows and

U.S. Pavilion organizers. For further details, please contact the TEPP/TEMS task force at Tradeevents@trade.gov, or visit the AIT Commercial Section (CS Taiwan) website.

Pricing

Branding is an important factor in developing a pricing strategy, especially in the consumer goods sector. Distributor price margins average between 15 and 40 percent, depending in part upon whether the distributor controls a product’s marketing. Price breaks and discounts for large-volume purchases are common promotional incentives.

In Taiwan, a five percent value-added tax (VAT) is imposed on the sale of nearly all products and services. Imports are subject to VAT based upon their landed price, including duties and commodity taxes on certain products. Products including rubber tires, cement, non-alcoholic beverages, oil and gas, certain electrical

appliances, flat glass, and motor vehicles are subject to commodity taxes that range from eight to 50 percent ad valorem or other specific tariffs. In addition to customs duties, all imports are assessed a commercial harbor service charge, which is based on cargo weight and net ship tonnage.

Sales Service/Customer Support

Taiwan’s buyers, especially those purchasing commercial and industrial products, consider many factors when making purchase decisions. These factors include technical support, after-sales service, product performance, and durability. However, U.S. firms should understand that price is usually the most important element of a buyer’s decision.

Local Professional Services

Taiwan has a comprehensive modern legal system and several well-regarded local and international law firms and legal consultants. Many Taiwan attorneys active in international business have studied law in the United States, speak English, and understand the concerns of U.S. businesses. Consultations with a competent local attorney prior to engaging in business in the Taiwan market are highly recommended.

Similarly, major U.S. and global accounting firms and insurance companies have offices in Taiwan. U.S. firms interested in entering the Taiwan market should make it a priority to meet with these professional advisors. They can then provide advice within their specific areas of expertise and on a range of business and cultural matters.

Updated lists of professional firms may be obtained from the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei on their website or by e-mail: amcham@amcham.com.tw.

Principal Business Associations

Trade-Related Organizations American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) AIT Taipei Main Office

Taipei Commercial Section Chief: Brent Omdahl

No. 100, Jinhu Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2162-2631

Fax: 886-2-2162-2251

Email: Office.Taipei@trade.gov

 

AIT Kaohsiung Branch Office Kaohsiung Commercial Section

5F, No. 88, Chenggong 2nd Road, Qianzhen Dist., Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Tel: 886-7-335-5006

Fax: 886-7-338-0551

Email: Office.Kaohsiung@trade.gov

 

Agriculture Section Chief: Erich Kuss

No. 100, Jinhu Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, Taiwan T

el: 886-2-2162-2316

Fax: 886-2-2162-2238

Email: agtaipei@fas.usda.gov

 

Agriculture Trade Office Director: Emily Scott

No. 100, Jinhu Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2162-2682

Fax: 886-2-2162-2520

Email: atotaipei@fas.usda.gov

 

Economic Section Chief: N. Rashad Jones

No. 100, Jinhu Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2162-2374

Fax: 886-2-2162-2240

 

AIT/Washington

Trade and Commercial Programs

Senior Advisors: Rick Ruzicka/ Jeff Horwitz

Suite 1700, 1700 N. Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209

Tel: 703-525-8474

Fax: 703-841-1385

 

U.S. Federal Government

U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Office of Trade Program

South Building, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250

Tel: 202-690-3576

 

U.S. Department of Commerce

International Trade Administration

Room 2846, 14th and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC

20230 Tel: 202-482-2611

Fax: 202-482-3316

The Commerce Department’s U.S. Commercial Service has 106 domestic offices throughout the United States. To locate your nearest U.S. Export Assistance Center, please visit https://www.trade.gov/contact-us

 

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Office of Commercial and Business Affairs

2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520

Tel: 202-647-4000

Fax: 202-647-3953

 

Other U.S. Government Agencies

Export-Import Bank of the United States

811 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20571

Tel: 202-565-3946

Fax: 202-565-3380

 

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation

1100 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20527

Tel: 202-336-8400

Fax: 202-336-7949

 

Taiwan Authorities

Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT)

No. 1, Hukou St.

Taipei, Taiwan

 Tel: 886-2-2321-0271

Fax: 886-2-2351-7080

 

Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI)

No. 4, Sec. 1, Jinan Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2343-1700

Fax: 886-2-2356-0998

 

Council of Agriculture (COA)

No. 37, Nanhai Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2381-2991

Fax: 886-2-2331-0341

 

Environmental Protection Administration (EPA)

No. 83, Sec. 1, Zhonghua Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2311-7722

Fax: 886-2-2311-6071

 

Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC)

18F, No. 7, Sec. 2, Sianmin Blvd., Banqiao

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-8968-0899

Fax: 886-2-8968-1215

 

Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)

No. 15, Fuzhou St.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2321-2200

Fax: 886-2-2391-9398

 

Ministry of Finance (MOF)

No. 2, Aiguo W. Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2322-8000

Fax: 886-2-2356-8774

 

Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW)

No. 36, Tacheng St.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-8590-6666

Fax: 886-2-8590-6000

 

Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC)

No. 50, Sec. 1, Renai Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2349-2900

Fax: 886-2-2349-2491

 

Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMEA)

3F, No. 95, Sec. 2, Roosevelt Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2368-6858

Fax: 886-2-2367-3883

 

Principal Business Associations (list)

U.S.-based Trade or Industry Associations U.S.-Taiwan Business Council

Suite 1703, 1700 N. Moore Street

Arlington, Virginia 22209

Tel: 703-465-2930

Fax: 703-465-2937

 

Taiwan-based Trade or Industry Associations

American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei

Suite 706, No. 129, Sec. 3,

Minsheng E. Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2718-8226

Fax: 886-2-2718-8182

 

Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI)

14F, No. 11, Songgao Rd., Xinyi Dist.

Taipei 11073, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2760-1139

Fax: 886-2-2760-7569

 

Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association

7F, No. 85, Sec. 4, Bade Rd., Songshan Dist.

Taipei 10561, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2528-8833

Fax: 886-5-2742-5342

 

Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce 13F,

No. 390, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2707-0111

Fax: 886-2-2707-0977

 

Chinese National Export Enterprises Association

6F, No. 285, Sec. 3, Nanjing E. Rd., Songshan Dist.

Taipei 10550, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2713-6920; 886-2-2712-9525

Fax: 886-2-2713-0115; 886-2-2545-1668

 

 

Chinese National Federation of Industries

12F, No. 390, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2703-3500

Fax: 886-2-2705-8317

 

General Chamber of Commerce of the R.O.C.

6F, No. 390, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd., Da’an Dist.

Taipei 10656, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2701-2671

Fax: 886-2-2755-5493

 

Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei

No. 350, Sungchiang Rd.,

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2581-3521

Fax: 886-2-2523-8782

 

International Trade Association of R.O.C.

12F-1, No. 125, Sec. 3, Roosevelt Rd., Da’an Dist.,

Taipei 10647, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-8369-5907

FAX: 886-2-8369-5908

 

Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

5-7F, No. 333, Sec. 1, Keelung Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2725-5200

Fax: 886-2-2757-6652

 

Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA)

6F, No. 109, Sec. 6, Min Chuan E. Rd.

Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-8792-6666

Fax: 886-2-8792-6088

Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services

WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement

Taiwan adheres to the WTO’s Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, which prohibits the use of technical requirements as discriminatory barriers to trade. The TBT Agreement covers standards for all products, including agricultural, industrial, and consumer goods, as well as production and processing methods and conformity assessment procedures. Additional resources to help firms comply with U.S. and international standards are available through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) website.

Resources

Principal Business Associations