WASHINGTON — Taiwan and the United States are at a “crucial moment” in negotiations over reciprocal tariffs, a top Taiwanese negotiator said on Sunday, as the August 1 deadline for US import duties approaches.

“We are now entering a crucial moment — like the final inning of a ball game,” said Cheng Li-chiun, a lead negotiator for Taipei, in a statement issued by the Cabinet and reported by local outlet Focus Taiwan.

Cheng returned to Taiwan early Saturday following a third round of in-person negotiations with US officials.

According to the statement, both sides reached consensus on “several key topics,” though specifics have not yet been disclosed.

A fourth round of talks is tentatively planned, with hopes of finalizing terms before the August deadline.

President Donald Trump announced in April a 32% blanket tariff on most Taiwanese imports, as part of a sweeping set of trade actions targeting over 170 countries. Although the tariffs were initially paused for 90 days, that exemption is set to expire at the start of next month.

Despite the looming tariffs, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has signaled that Taipei will not pursue retaliatory measures. Instead, the government plans to increase imports from the US and invest further in the American economy to reduce the bilateral trade imbalance.

Cheng emphasized that Taiwan remains committed to protecting national and industrial interests while working to expand trade and strengthen relations with Washington. — Agencies