Taiwan has completed its first-ever carbon fee collection, bringing in 4.97
billion NT from 461 industrial facilities.

The Ministry of Environment says 240 companies paid up by the end of May,
covering last year's emissions.

Semiconductor manufacturers led all sectors, contributing more than 40
percent of the total, or roughly 2.2 billion NT.

T-S-M-C alone accounted for 33 of the 123 semiconductor facilities that paid.

The standard rate was 300 NT per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Climate Change Administration Director Tsai Ling-yi (蔡玲儀) says all companies
paid in full, with none opting for installment or deferred payment.

About 2 billion NT from the fund is earmarked to help businesses and local
governments cut emissions, with another 500-million NT set aside as loan
subsidies for companies investing in cleaner production.

Minister Peng Chi-ming says carbon fee rates will rise over time, and an
emissions trading platform is expected to begin testing before year's end.

(PB)