Taiwan's screw and fastener industry is having a rough year, with exports set to shrink by a third — bad for the factories, and a sign of how much US tariffs are reshaping trade.

• Taiwan's screw exports are expected to fall more than 30% this year.
• Over 100 fastener makers are flying to a big industry trade show in Phoenix in early October to chase new orders.
• The main cause is US steel and aluminum tariffs plus companies rewiring their supply chains.
• Taiwan's screw association will sign a cooperation deal with the US fastener distributors' group, aiming to lock in its place in the American market.
• The US is one of the biggest buyers of Taiwanese fasteners, so losing ground there hits the whole sector.

Outlook: Taiwan's makers are betting that going directly to American buyers can win back orders, but tariffs will keep squeezing them until trade rules change.