Exports surge 32.9% amid AI demand

STREAK EXTENDED: The planned launch of new mobile devices and shortages of supply in the electronics industry that pushed up prices also supported exports

Exports surged 32.9 percent last month from a year earlier, fueled by booming demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure (AI) and high-performance computing, extending the export growth streak to 33 consecutive months, the Ministry of Finance said yesterday.

Exports totaled US$75.3 billion, the third-highest monthly level on record, although the increase fell short of the ministry’s earlier forecast of 34 to 39 percent.

“Global economic resilience has proved stronger than expected despite Middle East uncertainties, as the manufacturing sector remains in expansion,” Department of Statistics Director-General Beatrice Tsai (蔡美娜) told a news conference in Taipei.

A cargo truck and shipping containers are pictured at the Port of Keelung on April 9 last year.

The global push to build AI infrastructure continues to create opportunities for high-performance computing and drive demand for increasingly advanced components, Tsai said.

The planned launch of new mobile devices by major international brands, as well as supply shortages in parts of the electronics industry that pushed up product prices also supported exports, she said.

Electronic components were the standout performer, with exports reaching a record US$27.73 billion, up 50.5 percent from a year earlier.

Tsai attributed the increase to higher shipment volumes and prices, as supply-demand imbalances in advanced-process chips and memory products drove up prices.

Exports of information, communications and audiovisual products remained robust at US$31.37 billion, staying above US$30 billion for a fifth consecutive month, she said.

However, growth slowed to 29.5 percent, partly as soaring memory prices weakened demand for computer peripherals, she added.

The export boom is also beginning to spread beyond the technology sector. Mineral product exports jumped 52.1 percent from a year earlier amid tighter global oil supplies and higher prices, while exports of base metals and related products reached their highest level in nearly four years as customers replenished inventories.

Exports to all major markets posted double-digit growth.

Shipments to China climbed 33.4 percent to a record US$19.17 billion, pointing to a firm recovery in demand in that market, Tsai said.

Exports to the US rose 25.2 percent from a year earlier to US$23.34 billion, the third-highest monthly level on record, although growth slowed partly because of weaker demand for laptops and related products, Tsai said.

Surging prices of key components have prompted customers to become more cautious, weighing on demand, she said.

Shipments to Europe surged 57.6 percent, driven by information and communications technology products.

Imports rose to a record US$58.13 billion, leaving Taiwan with a trade surplus of US$17.17 billion, up 19.6 percent from a year earlier.

Tsai remained optimistic about the export outlook, forecasting shipments this month of US$76 billion to US$78.9 billion, representing annual growth of 31 percent to 35 percent.

If realized, the forecast would mark a 34th consecutive month of export growth, putting Taiwan on track to match its longest expansion cycle on record, Tsai said.

For the full year, exports could surpass the US$700 billion and US$800 billion thresholds, potentially setting a new annual record, she said.