Taiwan’s export orders jumped 30.5% in September to $70.22 billion, sharply exceeding forecasts and marking the eighth straight month of growth, as global demand for AI and high-performance computing continued to surge. The Ministry of Economic Affairs said the rise underscores the island’s position as a key hub for the global tech supply chain, led by TSMC and other electronics giants.
Analysts had expected growth of around 17.8%, but strong orders from the United States and China pushed results far higher. U.S. orders rose 40.2%, while Chinese demand rebounded 11.6% after a brief slowdown in August. Orders from Europe and Japan also grew by 16.9% and 22.8%, respectively.
Despite headwinds from a new 20% U.S. tariff on Taiwan’s exports, which the government says is temporary, the ministry projected continued momentum through the year-end holiday season. Orders for electronics rose nearly 46%, and telecom products climbed 33%, reflecting the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and data center investments worldwide.
Officials said the total export order value for 2024 is likely to set a new record, forecasting October growth between 23.7% and 27.3%. As AI-related applications and high-performance chips proliferate, Taiwan’s export-driven economy appears poised for its strongest finish in years.
