TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s presence at Xponential 2026 in Detroit was its largest ever, generating NT$1.3 billion (US$41.22 million) in potential business opportunities, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said Thursday.
Taiwan had 35 companies and 130 representatives from business, academia, and government at the May 11-14 show, per CNA. The ministry cited Thunder Tiger winning a NT$240 million order for 1,520 drones as an example of success at the show.
Taiwan’s presence also led to talks with firms from the US, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey on cooperation in the production of complete drones and components. Thunder Tiger became the first Asian company to obtain Blue UAS certification under a US Department of Defense program that approves drones for US government use.
The ministry described the results for Taiwanese businesses at Xponential and their entry into the US supply chain as a major breakthrough. Taiwan also signed memorandums of understanding with a drone alliance from Michigan and the North Dakota Trade Office during the show, the ministry added.
In the domestic market, four companies have delivered more than 3,000 drones to the Ministry of National Defense under a contract worth NT$6.88 billion. Taiwan will continue to integrate its communications, semiconductor, and precision machinery sectors to strengthen key technologies while seeking international cooperation opportunities, according to CNA.
