TAIPEI (TVBS News) — According to recent data from the Department of Investment Review under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan is experiencing a significant shift in its foreign investment patterns.
For the first time in 30 years, since opening to mainland China investments, Taiwan's investments in Southeast Asia have exceeded those in China, amounting to US＄4.96 billion compared to China's US＄2.63 billion from January to October this year.
The total number of approved foreign investments during this period was 1,864, representing a decrease of 8.18% from last year. The total investment value was US＄8.39 billion (approximately NT＄251.95 billion), a 27.35% decline year-on-year.
Jiangsu Province was the primary recipient of Taiwanese investments in mainland China this year. Shifts in global supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the China–U.S. trade war have been key factors influencing these changes in Taiwanese investment behavior.
Historically, Taiwan's investments in the ASEAN countries surpassed those in mainland China in 1991 and 1992. However, investments in mainland China surged in 1993 following Deng Xiaoping's reform and opening-up policy.
In 2023, tech giants like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Foxconn, and Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation have been leading in foreign investments.
TSMC invested US＄8 billion in U.S. companies and €3.5 billion in German firms, while Foxconn and Yang Ming Marine each invested US＄800 million in Singaporean businesses.
This shift marks the first time in three decades that Southeast Asian investments have overtaken those in mainland China.
