Taiwan: Export Growth Slows Sharply.

Exports from Taiwan climbed by 39% year-on-year to USD 67.62 billion in April 2026, slowing sharply from a 61.8% surge and falling well below market expectations of a 55% increase. Still, export growth remained solid, supported by sustained global demand for semiconductors and electronics, which helped offset disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. By sector, exports continued to be led by information, communication and audio-video products (62.3%), followed by electronic parts (38.9%) and machinery (12.9%). In contrast, shipments of base metals and articles of base metals (-0.4%) and chemicals (-4.3%) declined. All major trading partners saw increased exports, namely the US (63.8%), Mainland China and Hong Kong (15.8%), ASEAN (36.8%), Europe (64.2%), Japan (28.4%), and South Korea (39.3%). For the January–April period, total exports reached USD 263.35 billion, up 47.8% compared with the same period in the previous year.