TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Finance said Thursday that Taiwan's export value reached a record NT$9.2 trillion (US$283 billion) in the first half of this year, up nearly 26% from the same period last year — outperforming Singapore's 9.4%, China's 5.9%, and Japan's 4.8%.

The significant increase was primarily attributed to companies boosting shipments ahead of the implementation of the US tariff policies and the growing demand for AI and high-performance computing, per CNA.

The export value of information and communication products reached NT$3.31 trillion in the first half of this year, representing a remarkable 63% year-over-year increase, making it the largest export category. Within this sector, exports of graphics cards and servers rose by 81%, while computer components grew by 77.6%.

The growing demand for chips also propelled electronic components to become the second-largest export category, totaling NT$2.9 trillion, a 22.2% year-on-year increase. Exports of integrated circuits rose by 23.5%, driven by increasing demand for advanced process products fueled by AI integration. However, LED exports declined 7.4%, marking the industry's fourth consecutive year of contraction.

Exports of ICT products and electronic components combined rose 40% year-on-year during the period, accounting for nearly 71% of total exports, the ministry said.

Beyond the dominant tech sector, machinery exports reached NT$356.1 billion, showing a 4.3% year-on-year increase. The strongest growth came from exports to the US and Japan, which rose by 17.5% and 16.6%. Exports to ASEAN nations and Europe also saw increases of 3.4% and 0.8%. 

In contrast, exports of refined petroleum products totaled NT$206 billion, down 1.4% from last year. Exports of chemicals as well as plastic and rubber products also dropped by 0.4% and 6%, primarily due to weakening demand and increased competition from China. Textile exports reached NT$94.2 billion, falling nearly 6% year-on-year.

In the first half of this year, exports to China reached NT$2.33 trillion, making it the top destination for Taiwan’s exports, with a 12.7% year-on-year increase. Exports to the US totaled NT$2.32 trillion, setting a record for the highest value in the same period, with a substantial 51.4% year-on-year growth.

Exports to ASEAN countries reached NT$1.64 trillion, also a record for the period, showing a 31.4% increase. Exports to Japan amounted to NT$417.5 billion, up 12.2% from last year. However, exports to Europe totaled NT$532.4 billion, down 7.7%.