Barr, others hope vaccines going to Taiwan may help semiconductor shortage

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – What sounds like a step to help other countries address the ongoing COVID international health issue may also have economic impacts in the United States and across the globe.

Thursday, the White House announced the U.S. is sending seven million vaccines to Asia, and that Taiwan will be included in the distribution. That comes after more than 60 members of Congress,  including Kentucky Sixth District Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, sent a letter urging the move for Taiwan, which is a strategic U.S. partner.

In recent weeks, Taiwan has been plagued by rising COVID-19 cases and fatalities. The surge in COVID-19 transmission has led to increased public health measures that could soon threaten to exacerbate the existing shortages in semiconductors, which are primarily manufactured in Taiwan.

Some estimates place Taiwan’s market share on semiconductor production at 50%. These semiconductors are used in American automobiles as well as other critical smart technology.

“These COVID-19 vaccines will be a lifeline for our Taiwanese friends.  With COVID-19 vaccines being available to any American who wants one, we can now provide excess supply to our international partners. Time and time again, Taiwan has proven to be a great partner on global health, trade and so many other issues,” said Barr, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation. “I am proud to have led the effort to deliver excess vaccines to Taiwan to help them turn the corner in their time of need.” 

In April of 2020, the Taiwanese government provided more than 10 million face masks to countries in need, including the U.S., during the height of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to hit the U.S.