Taiwan's June exports hit third-highest monthly level on record

Taipei, July 9 (CNA) Taiwan's exports rose 40.3 percent from a year earlier to US$74.83 billion in June, the third-highest monthly total on record, driven by sustained demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related products, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said Thursday.

June marked the 32nd consecutive month of year-on-year export growth, according to the ministry's preliminary customs statistics.

Exports of information, communication (ICT) and audiovisual products reached US$33.92 billion, the third-highest monthly level on record, while electronic component exports totaled US$25.39 billion, the second-highest monthly total ever.

Imports climbed 51.8 percent to a record US$62.63 billion for June, leaving a trade surplus of US$12.2 billion, up US$140 million from a year earlier.

MOF Department of Statistics Director Beatrice Tsai (蔡美娜) attributed the strong export performance to resilient global economic growth despite geopolitical tensions, robust AI-driven demand for advanced chips, servers and other key components, seasonal stocking ahead of new tech product launches, and higher export prices amid tight electronics supply.

In the first six months of 2026, exports totaled a record US$416.66 billion, up 47.1 percent from a year earlier, while imports rose 40.3 percent to US$319.25 billion.

Second-quarter exports reached a record US$220.93 billion, the first quarterly total to exceed US$200 billion. Exports of electronic and ICT products jumped 56.9 percent in the quarter, while shipments of traditional industrial goods rose 9.4 percent, suggesting the sector is gradually recovering, Tsai said.

Among Taiwan's 11 major export categories, eight posted year-on-year gains in June. ICT and electronic component exports combined surged 52.9 percent, while traditional industries as a whole grew 6.9 percent for a fourth straight month.

Exports to all five of Taiwan's major overseas markets reached record highs for the first half of the year. Shipments to the United States posted the strongest growth, rising 69 percent, while exports to Europe and ASEAN increased 55.7 percent and 55.4 percent, respectively, Tsai said.

Taiwan's trade surplus with the United States reached a record US$104 billion in the first half of the year, exceeding US$100 billion for the first time. Given current trends, the surplus is expected to surpass US$200 billion for the full year, Tsai noted.

In June, exports to the U.S. rose 34.8 percent to US$23.28 billion, the third-highest monthly level on record and the 35th consecutive month of growth. Exports to Europe climbed 48.4 percent, while shipments to Japan reached a record monthly high of US$3.32 billion. Exports to Hong Kong and China as well as ASEAN also set record highs for the month.

Comparing Taiwan with other major exporters, Tsai said Taiwan's export growth of 47.1 percent in the first half of the year ranked among the world's fastest-growing, second only to South Korea's 48.4 percent, while its 32-month expansion streak is the longest among major economies.

Looking ahead, the MOF forecast July exports of US$76 billion to US$78.8 billion, up 34-39 percent from a year earlier, which would rank as either the second or third-highest monthly total on record.