Taipei, Sept. 23 (CNA) The preferential tariffs and taxes on critical commodities sold in Taiwan have been extended from the end of September to March 2026, the Cabinet said Tuesday, citing a need to stabilize inflation. The preferential tariffs cover soybean, wheat and corn imports, which are exempted from sales taxes, while imported wheat, butter and milk powder used for baking are tariff-free, and frozen beef has a 50 percent reduction on tariffs, the Cabinet said. The Cabinet's decision on Tuesday marked the 16th round of preferential tariffs or taxes implemented since 2021 to stabilize domestic inflation. Given the risk of inflation, the preferential tariffs and taxes have been extended to March 2026 to boost consumer purchasing power and lower the business sector's operating costs, the Cabinet said. It said the Ministry of Economic Affairs has been asked to continue to negotiate with business associations and individual companies to adjust product prices in response to the latest round of preferential tariffs and taxes to allow consumers to benefit from the government's policy.