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.