Congressman Zach Nunn led a congressional delegation to Taiwan in April to advance a new trade agreement aimed at expanding market access for Iowa agriculture, increasing ethanol exports, and strengthening defense cooperation through provisions he authored in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
The visit is significant for Iowa farmers and producers, as it could lead to reduced tariffs on key agricultural products and open new export opportunities. Nunn said the trip was intended to ensure that “Iowa farmers and producers have a seat at the table as this trade agreement moves forward.” He added, “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 worth of American agricultural goods in 2025. The recently signed agreement eliminates tariffs of up to 26% on major exports such as beef, dairy, and corn while removing tariffs entirely on most agricultural goods.
Nunn also focused on creating new opportunities for ethanol exports from Iowa by encouraging Taiwan’s move from E3 gasoline blends toward E10. He noted that if Taiwan adopts E10 standards and lowers its current 20% tariff on ethanol imports—while producing no domestic ethanol—it would create an entirely new market for Iowa corn-based ethanol. “Energy security and agricultural trade reinforce each other — the more Taiwan depends on American energy and American grain, the stronger this partnership becomes for Iowa producers,” Nunn said.
In addition to economic matters, Nunn addressed national security by authoring two provisions in the FY26 NDAA establishing a U.S.-Taiwan Strategic Defense Technology Partnership focusing on drones, artificial intelligence, microchips, and improved intelligence coordination. “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,” he said.
Nunn serves as Chair of the Republican Study Committee’s National Security Task Force alongside other representatives including Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), and Jefferson Shreve (IN-07). His office is based in Des Moines serving residents across 21 counties according to his official website. He prioritizes bipartisan policies supporting agriculture, economic growth, government accountability, national security initiatives—including constituent assistance—and families according to his official website. He also serves on both the House Financial Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee according to his official website.
Nunn represents Iowa’s Third Congressional District covering central and southern parts of the state according to his official website.
