TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s exports are set to hit a record this year, with CRIF Taiwan forecasting the figure at NT$27.5 trillion (US$860.6 billion) as AI demand offsets global uncertainty, CRIF Taiwan said Tuesday.
According to preliminary Ministry of Finance data, Taiwan exported about NT$6.26 trillion in Q1, up 51.1% year on year, while imports rose 34.8% to about NT$4.57 trillion. Both figures set new quarterly records.
CRIF said March exports were the main driver, reaching about NT$2.57 trillion and rising 61.8% from a year earlier, per CNA. It said this was the first time monthly exports exceeded NT$2.5 trillion, signaling a peak cycle for Taiwan’s trade performance.
Growth was led by electronic components and information and communication products, both supported by AI demand. Electronic components rose 42.7% year on year to about NT$2.1 trillion, while ICT-related exports doubled to about NT$2.8 trillion.
However, CRIF noted that several traditional sectors, including plastics and textiles, recorded declines or weak growth. It said most industries outside chips and ICT saw limited momentum.
Despite weaker performance in some sectors and a lower global growth forecast from the IMF, CRIF said exports are not expected to be affected by geopolitical tensions. It said AI-driven demand for chips and computing products remains the key support.
Listed companies in semiconductors and related electronics sectors posted combined Q1 revenue of NT$8.19 trillion, up 36% year on year. CRIF said demand is expected to continue into the second half of the year, with no seasonal slowdown anticipated due to early inventory buildup.
Under a base-case scenario, CRIF forecast exports of about NT$6.76 trillion in Q2, NT$7.22 trillion in Q3, and NT$7.29 trillion in Q4.
