Taiwan said technical consultations for its reciprocal trade negotiations with the U.S. have been “largely finalised,” with document exchanges now underway, signaling progress in the long-running talks. The announcement came Friday from Taiwan’s delegation to the APEC summit in South Korea, following a meeting between Taiwan’s top trade negotiator Jenni Yang and U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer. Talks have focused on reducing the 20% U.S. tariff on Taiwanese exports, though semiconductors, Taiwan’s key exports, remain exempt. “Both sides reviewed the progress and expressed their shared anticipation for deeper collaboration to promote industrial growth and economic development,” the statement said. Taiwan has rejected a U.S. proposal for a 50-50 semiconductor production split but is considering forming a broader high-tech strategic partnership to expand U.S.-Taiwan cooperation.