What is the US-Taiwan trade deal and why does it matter for markets?

It is a new accord that caps US tariffs on Taiwanese goods at up to 15 percent, secures 44.4 billion US dollars in US energy exports, and gives preferential treatment to semiconductor shipments. Markets care because steadier chip and energy flows reduce uncertainty for AI and tech earnings, a key driver for the Nasdaq-100.

How could the deal affect Taiwan semiconductors and AI supply chains?

Preferential lanes for chip shipments should trim delays and logistics costs, supporting advanced nodes used in AI servers and cloud. With better delivery confidence, order visibility can improve along the supply chain. That supports chip supply chain resilience, though approval in Taiwan and geopolitical responses remain key execution risks.

What risks could still pressure tech despite the agreement?

Two stand out: Taiwan’s parliamentary approval could be delayed or altered, and a China response could introduce new trade frictions. Secondary risks include energy price swings, currency shifts, and tighter financial conditions. Any of these can affect multiples and earnings for large-cap tech and semiconductor suppliers.

What should German investors watch in the coming weeks?

Focus on approval milestones in Taipei, any policy signals from Beijing, and US tech earnings revisions. Track technical levels on the Nasdaq-100, semis weighting in your ETFs, and euro-dollar moves that affect returns. If volatility picks up, consider staged entries and clearer stop levels to manage portfolio risk.

Global Market Insights

^NDX Today, February 14: US–Taiwan Trade Deal Lifts Chip Sentiment

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 14, 2026February 14, 2026

The US-Taiwan trade deal boosted chip sentiment and steadied tech today. The ^NDX hovered near 24,732.73 (+0.18%) after a 24,514.96–24,921.47 range. The accord sets a tariff cap 15 percent on Taiwanese goods, secures 44.4 billion US dollars in energy exports, and gives preferential treatment to Taiwan semiconductors shipments. For German investors, this supports AI-linked demand and chip supply chain resilience, though Taiwan’s parliamentary approval and a potential China response still pose headline risk. We break down today’s move, the deal’s details, and what to watch next.