TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s September exports reached NT$1.65 trillion (US$54.25 billion), up 33.8% year-on-year and marking the third-highest monthly total on record, the Ministry of Finance said Thursday.

Q3 exports were NT$5.17 trillion, up 36.5% from a year earlier, per Liberty Times. Cumulative exports for the first nine months reached a record NT$13.8 trillion, up 29.7% year-on-year.

The ministry said strong demand for emerging technologies, including AI, and new consumer electronics launches drove 23 consecutive months of growth. Increased AI supply chain orders and higher capital equipment purchases also fueled imports.

Electronic components and IT products led growth, rising 25.6% and 86.9% year-on-year. Electrical machinery grew 17.2% due to AI-related power device demand, while textiles and plastic and rubber products fell 8.6% and 7.1% due to weak overseas markets.

Major export markets all posted gains, led by the US with a 51.6% increase, followed by ASEAN (34%), Europe (27.3%), Japan (23.3%), and China (12.8%). Exports to Mexico surged 3.7 times year-on-year on IT products, setting a new single-month record.

January-September exports to the US, ASEAN, Japan, and China all saw double-digit growth, while exports to Europe fell 3.3% year-on-year.

The ministry expects AI applications and year-end procurement in major markets to sustain export momentum. However, US tariffs and global geopolitical risks remain challenges for trade performance.