The UK and Taiwan have taken further steps to strengthen their trade, investment, science and technology relationship following the 28th annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks held in London on 2 October 2026. The discussions focused on digital trade, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and resilient supply chains.
Alongside the talks, both sides launched a new Science, Innovation and Technology Arrangement, creating a framework for greater cooperation in emerging technologies.
What Was Discussed at the UK-Taiwan Trade Talks?
The annual trade talks brought together UK and Taiwanese officials to identify new opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation.
Key areas discussed included:
- Digital trade
- Clean energy and net zero
- Advanced manufacturing
- Resilient supply chains
- Trade and investment
- Science and technology cooperation
The UK and Taiwan have conducted annual Trade Talks since 1991. Bilateral trade reached £8.9 billion in 2025, making Taiwan the UK’s sixth-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
What Is the New Science, Innovation and Technology Arrangement?
The UK-Taiwan Science, Innovation and Technology Arrangement establishes a framework for collaboration between the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council.
The arrangement is non-legally binding and is intended to support joint research and development in areas of mutual interest.
Key Technology Areas
The cooperation will focus on several strategically important sectors, including:
Semiconductors:
Supporting cooperation in semiconductor research, development and related capabilities.
Artificial Intelligence:
Exploring cooperation on AI standards and technology.
Space:
Developing opportunities for research and collaboration in space technologies.
Telecommunications:
Strengthening cooperation in next-generation communications.
Net Zero:
Supporting technology and innovation linked to clean energy and decarbonisation.
How Will the Partnership Support Businesses?
The agreement could create additional opportunities for businesses, researchers and technology organisations in both markets by providing a framework for cooperation in advanced technologies.
The UK government highlighted the complementary strengths of both economies, with the UK bringing research, design and innovation capabilities while Taiwan has strong advanced manufacturing and hardware capabilities.
The talks also included engagement with Taiwanese businesses visiting the UK to explore commercial partnerships and investment opportunities.
UK Export Finance and Taiwan EximBank Cooperation
Another development from the talks was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UK Export Finance and Taiwan EximBank.
The MoU is intended to strengthen cooperation on export credit opportunities, potentially supporting businesses involved in bilateral trade and investment.
What Does This Mean for UK-Taiwan Trade?
The latest developments build on the existing UK-Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership, which covers areas including investment, digital trade, energy and net zero.
The Enhanced Trade Partnership aims to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, reduce trade barriers and encourage cooperation in areas such as digitalisation and sustainable trade.
The new science and technology arrangement adds another layer to this broader economic relationship, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, AI, telecommunications and space.
Note for Businesses
Businesses looking at UK-Taiwan opportunities should monitor developments in digital trade, advanced manufacturing, technology, clean energy and investment cooperation. The latest arrangements provide a framework for collaboration, but they do not by themselves create new legally binding market-access commitments.
Conclusion
The latest UK-Taiwan Trade Talks demonstrate a growing focus on technology, investment and resilient supply chains alongside traditional trade cooperation. With bilateral trade reaching £8.9 billion in 2025, both sides are seeking to expand commercial opportunities while strengthening collaboration in emerging technologies.
The new Science, Innovation and Technology Arrangement could further connect UK research and innovation with Taiwan’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, particularly across semiconductors, AI, telecommunications, space and net zero technologies.
