TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (經濟部) announced Tuesday (July 22) that export orders surged to US$56.77 billion (around NT$1.67 trillion) in June. The achievement marked the second-highest monthly total in history with a remarkable 24.6% year-on-year increase. The milestone represents the fifth consecutive month of positive growth, driven primarily by explosive demand for artificial intelligence (AI) products, with first-half orders reaching US$320.57 billion (around NT$9.42 trillion).
Huang Wei-jie (黃偉傑), director of the ministry's statistics department, attributed the significant June increase to robust AI demand that generated better-than-expected orders in information and communication technology products plus electronics. The annual growth remains substantial despite a 2% decrease in export orders from May. Some manufacturers have noted a gradual slowdown in the surge of shipments across various sectors.
The ministry forecasts July export orders between US$54 billion and US$56 billion (around NT$1.59-1.65 trillion), projecting annual growth of 7.9% to 11.9%. Huang highlighted uncertainty surrounding the second half, pointing to potential impacts from final U.S. tariff rates that could affect global demand. He expressed optimism about new U.S. mobile phone models and the year-end peak season sustaining growth, albeit at a slower pace than the first half.
Huang emphasized that global end-user demand has not yet rebounded overall for Taiwanese exports despite strong AI demand. Only machinery products saw a year-on-year increase in order value of 10.6% in June. Orders for basic metals, plastic and rubber products, and chemicals declined by 10.2%, 11.4%, and 8.7%, respectively, due to slowing global demand and overcapacity in China.
