TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s export value was NT$1.72 trillion (US$53.04 billion) in March, a 12.5% year-on-year increase, the economics ministry said Tuesday.

Cumulative export orders for Q1 were US$149.47 billion, a 12.1% annual increase and the second-best Q1 performance ever, per a press release. MOEA Department of Statistics Director Huang Yu-ling (黃于玲) attributed the growth to tech demand, though weaker traditional goods and foreign price competition tempered gains, per CNA.

Electronics and information and communications technology led the surge, with March orders reaching US$20.11 billion and US$14.81 billion, up 21.8% and 11.4% respectively. Optical instrument orders rose 10.4%, supported by demand for semiconductor inspection tools and panel and lens components.

In traditional industries, machinery orders rose 2.3% on automation equipment demand, while chemical, plastic, and rubber products fell 8.7% and 6.1%. Basic metals declined 3.8% due to continued steel market weakness.

When asked about early order pull-ins related to Trump’s tariffs, the ministry said only a few companies saw this effect. Many firms remained unaffected or are still evaluating the impact during the 90-day buffer period.

Huang noted that Trump’s tariffs pose challenges for China starting in April, but Beijing’s domestic stimulus measures may offer some support. Taiwanese firms reliant on Chinese demand may face uncertainty if the trade conflict worsens.

The ministry projects April export orders will reach US$50–52 billion, down 2.0% to 5.7% from March due to seasonal trends, but still up 6.2% to 10.4% year-on-year. Shifts in global production will depend on cost, tax policies, and final tariff outcomes, it added.