Criticizes Beshear for Failure to Open Trade Office
FRANKFORT, KY (July 2, 2025) – Michael Adams has returned from a week-long visit to Taiwan as part of a bipartisan delegation of Secretaries of State.
Adams participated in numerous meetings with government officials and business leaders – including representatives of Kentucky-based businesses Brown-Forman Corporation and Zoeller Pump Company – and looks forward to sharing his insights. In particular, Adams criticized Governor Andy Beshear for failing to open a trade office in Taiwan.
“The General Assembly has unanimously passed resolutions calling on Governor Beshear to open a trade office in Taiwan, as 24 states have done,” said Adams. “Taiwan imports the vast majority of its food, with a taste for beef, corn, soybeans and other things we raise in Kentucky. Andy Beshear should take a break from podcasting and focus on his day job of expanding opportunity for Kentuckians, especially our farmers.”
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Kentucky exports to Taiwan exceeded $600 million in 2008 but more recently fell as low as $173 million. The Lane Report notes that Taiwan is Kentucky’s 18th largest export market but 13th largest import source, implying a trade deficit.
Along with discussing business and trade issues, Adams discussed with senior Taiwan election officials their shared challenge of combatting election misinformation.
Adams returned with a better appreciation for Taiwanese patriotism, solidarity against Chinese aggression, and love for America.
Access pictures from the trip here.
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