Taiwan Exports Surge 50% in H1 on AI Demand

Created at 9 Jul · 9:26 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant

IN SHORT

Taiwan's exports surged nearly 50% in the first half of the year, driven by robust global demand for AI infrastructure and tech products. Outbound sales reached $78.48 billion in May alone, marking the 31st consecutive month of year-on-year growth.

Key Numbers

51.7%May export growth year-on-year

$78.48 billionTaiwan's exports in May

$60.57 billionTaiwan's imports in May

54.9%May import growth year-on-year

$17.91 billionMay trade surplus

41.8%May trade surplus growth year-on-year

$341.83 billionFirst-half exports

48.7%First-half export growth year-on-year

$256.63 billionFirst-half imports

37.8%First-half import growth year-on-year

$85.20 billionFirst-half trade surplus

95.1%First-half trade surplus growth year-on-year

31consecutive months of year-on-year export growth

75.2%May ICT and video/audio export growth

$34.84 billionMay ICT and video/audio exports

56.0%May electronic components export growth

$26.84 billionMay electronic components exports

$25.50 billionMay semiconductor sales

78.6%ICT and electronic components share of May total exports

1.6%May base metal export growth

$2.75 billionMay base metal exports

22.7%May machinery industry export growth

$2.80 billionMay machinery industry exports

5.9%May rubber/plastics export growth

$1.77 billionMay rubber/plastics exports

72.4%May mineral product export growth

$1.58 billionMay mineral product exports

14.7%May old economy sector export increase

$22.94 billionUS purchases from Taiwan in May

47.9%US purchases growth year-on-year

$19.03 billionChina and Hong Kong purchases from Taiwan in May

$18.77 billionASEAN bloc purchases from Taiwan in May

$4.66 billionEurope purchases from Taiwan in May

$3.09 billionJapan purchases from Taiwan in May

42-49%Estimated June export growth year-on-year

$75.9 billion-US$79.5 billionEstimated June export value range

Who's Involved

Ministry of Finance

Taiwanese government body reporting export data

Beatrice Tsai

Director-general of the MOF's Department of Statistics

Taiwan Exports Surge 50% in H1 on AI Demand

↳ Why This Matters

Taiwan's robust export performance, fueled by the AI boom, underscores its critical role in the global technology supply chain and signals strong economic growth for the island nation.

Key facts

Taiwan's exports rose 51.7% year-on-year to $78.48 billion in May.
Imports reached a record $60.57 billion in May, up 54.9% from a year earlier.
The trade surplus increased 41.8% year-on-year to $17.91 billion in May.
First-half exports totaled $341.83 billion, up 48.7% from the previous year.
Exports in the ICT and video/audio industry surged 75.2% in May.
The electronic components industry, including semiconductors, posted a new high of $26.84 billion in monthly exports.

Taiwan's exports have reached unprecedented levels, driven by the global artificial intelligence boom. In May, outbound sales soared 51.7% from a year earlier to $78.48 billion, the second-highest monthly total on record. This marks the 31st consecutive month of year-on-year growth.

Imports also hit a record high of $60.57 billion in May, a 54.9% increase from the previous year, resulting in a trade surplus of $17.91 billion, up 41.8% year-on-year. For the first five months of the year, exports totaled $341.83 billion, a 48.7% increase, with a trade surplus of $85.20 billion, up 95.1%.

The Ministry of Finance attributes the surge to strong demand for AI infrastructure, including chips, servers, and related components. Exports from the ICT and video/audio industry jumped 75.2% in May, while the electronic components industry, particularly semiconductors, saw a 56.0% increase. Even the 'old economy' sector experienced a significant boost, with base metals, machinery, rubber/plastics, and mineral products showing strong growth.

The United States remained Taiwan's largest export market in May, followed by China and Hong Kong, and the ASEAN bloc. The Ministry of Finance estimates June exports to remain strong, with growth projected between 42% and 49% year-on-year.

Frequently asked questions

Taiwan's export growth is primarily driven by the global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure, including chips, servers, and related components.

In May, Taiwan's exports rose 51.7% year-on-year to $78.48 billion, while imports reached a record $60.57 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $17.91 billion.

The ICT and video/audio industry, along with the electronic components industry (especially semiconductors), are the largest contributors to the export surge.

The United States is Taiwan's largest export market, followed by China and Hong Kong, and the ASEAN bloc.

What Happens Next

01June exports are estimated to range between $75.9 billion and $79.5 billion.

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How It Developed

Taiwan's exports rose 51.7% year-on-year to $78.48 billion in May.

Imports reached a record $60.57 billion in May, up 54.9% from a year earlier.

The trade surplus increased 41.8% year-on-year to $17.91 billion in May.

First-half exports totaled $341.83 billion, up 48.7% from the previous year.

Exports in the ICT and video/audio industry surged 75.2% in May.

The electronic components industry, including semiconductors, posted a new high of $26.84 billion in monthly exports.

Old economy sector exports saw a 14.7% increase in May, the best performance in nearly four and a half years.

The United States remained the largest market for Taiwan's goods in May.

Sources

Taiwan's exports rise nearly 50% in first half as Lai builds 'AI island'Nikkei Asia

Taiwan's exports hit 2nd highest level in May on AI boom - Focus Taiwanfocustaiwan.tw