Taiwan December Exports Rise to Second-Highest Level on Strong Global Demand

Taiwan’s exports recorded a strong performance in December, reaching the second-highest monthly level on record as overseas shipments surged 43.4% year-on-year to USD 62.48 billion. Although the growth rate eased from a revised 56.0% increase in November, it still reflected solid external demand, even as it came in below market expectations of a 46% rise.

The sharp expansion was driven mainly by sustained global demand for artificial intelligence applications, high-performance computing, and cloud services, which continued to support robust exports of technology-related products. This trend highlighted Taiwan’s critical role in global technology supply chains, particularly in advanced electronics and digital infrastructure.

A breakdown by product category showed exceptional growth in information, communication, and audio-video products, with exports jumping 126.3% compared with the same period last year. Shipments of electronic parts also increased significantly by 24.1%, while machinery exports rose 11.0%. In contrast, exports of base metals and articles of base metal declined by 7.8%, and chemical products fell by 6.7%, reflecting weaker demand in these segments.

Exports to major trading partners posted broad-based gains in December. Shipments to the United States recorded the strongest growth, surging 125.9% year-on-year. Exports to Europe rose 54.5%, followed by Korea at 33.6%, Japan at 26.2%, ASEAN countries at 20.3%, and China and Hong Kong at 11.3%.

For the full year 2025, Taiwan’s total exports reached USD 640.75 billion, marking a robust 34.9% increase compared with the previous year. Annual shipments to the United States were particularly strong, registering a 78.0% surge, underlining the continued expansion of bilateral trade driven by technology and high-value manufacturing.