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Taiwan Exports Reach Record $87.22 Billion as AI Demand Drives Growth
Taiwan’s exports reached a monthly record of US$87.22 billion in September, rising 60.9% from a year earlier as demand for artificial-intelligence chips and other technology products continued to grow.
The Ministry of Finance released the figures on Thursday. September marked a second consecutive monthly record, following exports of US$82.40 billion in August, and the 35th straight month of year-on-year export growth. The September total also exceeded analysts’ forecasts, according to Reuters.
Technology shipments were a major part of the increase. Exports of electronic components rose 45.3% to US$31.13 billion, while information products—including technology hardware—jumped 103%. Reuters reported that demand for AI applications, high-performance computing and cloud services continued to expand.
The United States was Taiwan’s largest export market in September. Shipments there climbed 106.2% year on year to US$27.46 billion. Exports to China also increased, rising 30.2%, Reuters reported.
Taiwan’s position in the semiconductor supply chain helps explain why the global AI investment boom is affecting its trade so strongly. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a major supplier of advanced chips used in AI applications, reported third-quarter revenue up 50% from a year earlier, reaching a record T$1.49 trillion.
Imports also rose sharply, increasing 51.7% year on year to US$63.59 billion. Taiwan therefore recorded a September trade surplus of US$23.63 billion, according to the Ministry of Finance. The figures show strong demand for Taiwanese products, while also reflecting the island’s significant role in global technology supply chains.
