Taiwan’s export orders increased 13.37 percent in March year on year to a record high of US$38.99 billion, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs April 20.
“This performance is due to strong European and U.S. demand, which accounts for 76 percent of total order growth,” said Beatrice Tsai, deputy director-general of the Department of Statistics.
Information and communication technology was the fastest growing sector on the back of rising computer and smartphone sales, Tsai said, adding that electronics also performed well.
Taiwan’s main buyer continues to be mainland China. Orders from across the strait totaled 26.2 percent and broke US$10 billion for the first time. The U.S. and Europe trailed with 22 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively.
Tsai attributed mainland China’s strong showing to its three-day annual holiday beginning May 1 and the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement.
Japan was Taiwan’s only trading partner placing fewer orders than last year. Its 5.94-percent decrease continues from February and shows no sign of turning around in the short term.
“The Japanese economy was already lukewarm when the disaster struck last month,” Tsai said. “Subsequent power rationing is now further hindering recovery.”
According to an MOEA poll, the majority of Taiwanese exporters expressed optimism about the next quarter’s export orders. (JSM)
Write to Aaron Hsu at pj1210meister@mail.gio.gov.tw