TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has risen to become the US’ fourth-largest trading partner, overtaking Germany, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ International Trade Administration.

Citing US Customs data for January through October last year, the agency said Taiwan ranked fourth, behind only Mexico, Canada, and China, highlighting the continued deepening of Taiwan–US trade relations, per CNA. 

Director-General William Liu (劉威廉) said Taiwan will continue to advance follow-up initiatives under the US–Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue working groups this year, while diversifying global markets and helping companies expand overseas production bases.

Deputy Director-General Chen Pei-li (陳佩利) said Taiwan’s total trade value exceeded NT$37.1 trillion (US$1 trillion) for the first time last year, reaching US$1.12 trillion. Exports hit a record high of US$640.8 billion and could climb further to US$660 billion this year, she added.

To strengthen Taiwan–US supply chain partnerships, Chen said that in addition to the recently concluded EPPD meeting, Taiwan has signed economic and trade cooperation memorandums of understanding with 13 US states, including Texas, Arizona, and Florida. The agreements are designed to help companies expand trade and investment in the US, explore business opportunities, and optimize the investment environment.

She added that more than 140 Taiwanese companies participated in last year’s SelectUSA Investment Summit, making Taiwan one of the largest international delegations. Another delegation is slated to attend the summit from May 3 to 6.

The agency said the European Parliament recently passed resolutions on technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure, which will help Taiwanese businesses seize emerging opportunities such as “AI super factories.”

Chen also said Central and Eastern Europe have become Taiwan’s largest export market for drones. Poland was the top destination last year at about US$50 million, followed by the Czech Republic at around US$20 million, while the US ranked third with roughly US$10 million.

Liu stressed that while drone exports remain modest, the industry is still in an early “from zero to one” stage with significant growth potential. He said drones are expected to become one of Taiwan’s most promising exports in the future.