Includes typical use of agents and distributors and how to find a good partner, e.g., whether use of an agent or distributor is legally required.
Last Published: 11/8/2019
Most foreign firms gain their initial foothold in the Taiwan market by appointing a local agent. The prospect of an agent relationship appeals to many Taiwan firms, which are well-known for their trade prowess. If the size of the market warrants, companies may consider setting up a branch office or subsidiary in Taiwan. Taiwan welcomes foreign investment, and despite bureaucratic approvals procedures, establishing an office in Taiwan is relatively easy.

The American Institute in Taiwan’s (AIT) Commercial Section provides a number of services to help U.S. firms export their goods and services to Taiwan. Through our office in Taipei (covering northern and central Taiwan) and a branch office in Kaohsiung (covering southern Taiwan), we offer a variety of resources and services to help U.S. companies successfully enter the Taiwan market, including market research, agent or distributor searches, trade missions, trade shows, business matchmaking, due diligence checks on potential business partners, product launches, and commercial advocacy. Contact information for the AIT Commercial Section is as follows:

AIT Commercial Section
Tel: 886-2-2162-2000
Fax: 886-2-2162-2519
Email: office.taipei@trade.gov

The first step is to contact your local U.S. Export Assistance Center to discuss what services you may require. These offices can help U.S. exporters determine which international markets are suitable for their products and services.

 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.