Taiwan collects carbon emissions levies from major companies for the first time

Taiwan has begun charging a carbon emissions levy on major companies, with a payment deadline falling this weekend, as the government aims to fund a new decarbonisation initiative. The levy arrives as Taiwan struggles to meet its net-zero climate goals, partly due to slower-than-expected growth in solar capacity, and despite Taiwan's exclusion from United Nations climate negotiations owing to pressure from China — a geopolitical constraint that limits the island's voice in global climate governance even as its semiconductor and technology industries make it a critical node in the international supply chain. The government has built in 'carbon leakage risk' adjustment coefficients to protect internationally competitive industries.