Yazılar

Taiwan’s September Export Orders Surge 30.5% on Soaring Global AI Demand

/in /tarafından

Taiwan’s export orders surged far beyond expectations in September, climbing 30.5% year-on-year to $70.22 billion, as booming global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology continued to drive growth. It marked the eighth consecutive monthly increase, reaffirming Taiwan’s central role in the global semiconductor and tech supply chain.

The results, released by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, easily beat analysts’ forecasts of a 17.8% gain. The ministry credited the island’s expanding importance in AI and high-performance computing, sectors anchored by leading chipmakers such as TSMC, the world’s largest contract semiconductor manufacturer.

While global trade uncertainties and newly imposed 20% U.S. tariffs have weighed on outlooks, Taiwan’s government said the measure is temporary as negotiations continue with Washington for more favorable trade terms. The ministry expects momentum to remain strong through the fourth-quarter holiday season, traditionally a peak period for electronics and consumer technology exports.

Orders for electronic products jumped 45.9%, while telecommunications equipment rose 33.1%. By region, orders from the United States soared 40.2%, China climbed 11.6% after a brief decline in August, Europe gained 16.9%, and Japan increased 22.8%.

The ministry projected export orders for October to rise between 23.7% and 27.3%, adding that total full-year export value could reach a record high if AI-related demand remains strong.

Taiwan Anticipates Minimal Impact from Trump’s Tariffs on Chip Exports

/in /tarafından

Taiwan does not expect significant disruption to its semiconductor exports from tariffs proposed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, according to Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei. The island, home to the world’s largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), is a pivotal player in the global tech supply chain, supplying companies like Apple and Nvidia.

While Taiwanese officials acknowledge that U.S. tariffs could negatively affect overall economic growth in Taiwan—an export-dependent economy—Kuo emphasized that Taiwan’s semiconductor sector would largely be shielded from these changes. He pointed out that Taiwan’s technological edge in semiconductor manufacturing gives it an advantage that cannot easily be replicated, limiting the impact of any potential tariffs.

Trump has pledged to impose a blanket 10% tariff on all global imports, along with higher tariffs specifically targeting Chinese goods. He also committed to a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico upon taking office on January 20.

In response to these developments, Taiwan plans to assist companies in relocating supply chains to the United States, helping mitigate the impact of tariffs by shifting operations where necessary. Kuo also highlighted efforts to foster growth in Taiwan’s aerospace sector, suggesting that some of the island’s aerospace research and development centers could relocate to the U.S. Additionally, Taiwan plans to open an office in Japan by mid-2025 to facilitate investments and collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology.