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.