Congressman Zach Nunn led a congressional delegation to Taiwan to advance a new trade agreement, according to an April 18 announcement. The agreement aims to expand market access for Iowa agriculture, create opportunities for ethanol exports, and strengthen defense cooperation through provisions authored by Nunn in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
The visit holds significance for Iowa farmers and producers as it seeks to reduce tariffs and remove barriers on agricultural products. “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.”
Taiwan has become one of the top ten markets for U.S. agriculture, importing $4.3 billion in American agricultural products in 2025. The new agreement, signed in February but still awaiting ratification by Taiwan’s legislature, would eliminate tariffs up to 26% on key exports such as beef, dairy, and corn while removing tariffs entirely on 94% of agricultural goods.
Nunn also discussed efforts during his trip to expand U.S. ethanol exports by encouraging Taiwan’s transition from E3 gasoline blends toward E10 blends—a move that could open new export markets for Iowa biofuels producers if existing import tariffs are reduced or eliminated.
The congressman highlighted national security aspects of the visit as well: “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 represented Iowa’s Third Congressional District—which covers 21 counties in central and southern Iowa—through his office based in Des Moines according to the official website. He served constituents across these counties with assistance related to federal agencies according to the official website. As noted by his office on its website, he prioritized bipartisan policies focused on strengthening the economy, supporting agriculture, ensuring government accountability, bolstering national security, aiding families and children; he also served on both House Financial Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee according to the official website.
