IA SR108

Iowa established a sister-state relationship with Taiwan in 1989 and created the bipartisan Iowa Statehouse Taiwan Friendship Caucus on November 5, 2021, becoming the fourth midwestern state with such a caucus.

Taiwan ranks as one of Iowa's most important Asian export markets, supporting the state's agricultural and manufacturing sectors; in 2024, Iowa and Taiwan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation and Trade Relations.

U.S.-Taiwan trade reached $158.6 billion in 2024 (a 24% increase), with agricultural exports including soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef totaling $8.46 billion from 2021-2024, with planned increases to $10 billion by 2028.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority assigned a trade representative to its Taiwan office in November 2025 to deepen economic ties and expand Iowa's presence in Asia.

The resolution recognizes Taiwan as a vibrant democracy committed to freedom, human rights, and rule of law, while affirming the legitimacy of Iowa businesses referring to Taiwan as "Taiwan" in commercial dealings.