Nunn Leads Trade Delegation to Taiwan, Secures Wins for Iowa Agriculture and National Security

"Iowa exported more than $225 million in agricultural goods to Taiwan last year. I led this delegation to make sure Iowa farmers and producers have a seat at the table as this trade agreement moves forward," said Rep. Nunn . "In every meeting, Taiwanese officials made clear they want to be a stronger trade partner, reducing tariffs and removing barriers on the products we grow and raise in Iowa."

Expanding Trade and Delivering for Iowa Farmers

Taiwan has quickly become a top 10 market for U.S. agriculture, importing $4.3 billion in American agricultural products in 2025. The new trade agreement - signed in February and currently awaiting ratification in Taiwan's legislature - eliminates tariffs of up to 26% on key exports like beef, dairy, and corn, while removing tariffs entirely on 94% of agricultural goods.

Nunn also highlighted the agreement's impact on Iowa agriculture in an exclusive interview with the Iowa Capital Dispatch .

Unlocking Ethanol Markets and Energy Security

During the trip, Rep. Nunn pushed to expand U.S. ethanol exports to Taiwan, creating a new opportunity for Iowa biofuels producers. Taiwan currently blends gasoline at E3 and is exploring a transition to E10, but produces no domestic ethanol and relies entirely on imports subject to a 20% tariff.

"If Taiwan moves to E10 and lowers trade barriers, that's a brand-new export market for Iowa corn-based ethanol that doesn't exist today," said Rep. Nunn . "Energy security and agricultural trade reinforce each other - the more Taiwan depends on American energy and American grain, the stronger this partnership becomes for Iowa producers."

Strengthening Defense and Deterrence

Rep. Nunn also authored two Taiwan-focused provisions in the FY26 NDAA to establish a U.S.-Taiwan Strategic Defense Technology Partnership focused on drones, AI, and microchips, along with enhanced intelligence coordination. In total, Nunn secured nine NDAA provisions in the bill, the most of any Member of Congress.

"A free and open Taiwan Strait is essential to global trade, and Iowa's economy depends on keeping it that way. Strong deterrence protects both our national security and the trade relationships Iowa farmers count on," said Rep. Nunn .

Nunn led the delegation in his role as Chair of the Republican Study Committee's National Security Task Force, alongside Reps. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), and Jefferson Shreve (IN-07).

Photos and video from the trip can be found here .

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