Taiwan's government said on Thursday that U.S. tariffs levied on the island were unreasonable and it would discuss them with Washington, partly blaming U.S. tech curbs on China in President Donald Trump's first term for driving the trade imbalance.

The move plays directly into Taipei's long-standing desire for international recognition, while subtly signalling that Washington may be less willing to kowtow to Beijing's preferred semantics.

Trump has wobbled on several other tariff announcements since returning to office in January, blinking at the last minute with allies such as Canada and Mexico. However, his plans have sparked growing fears of a damaging trade war around the world that could drive up prices and cause widespread disruption.