Taiwan's March Export Orders Hit Record High Despite Middle East Tensions; MOEA: AI is the Moat

While countries are overshadowed by the Middle East war, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced today that March export orders reached $91.12 billion, a record high with a 65.9% year-on-year increase, marking the 14th consecutive month of growth. The Statistics Department pointed out that Taiwan remains resilient because AI serves as a 'moat.' Even if the global economy slows, the AI investment trend is expected to sustain Taiwan's 'AI bonus' this year.

The $91.12 billion figure is a monthly record high. Accumulated orders for the first quarter reached $231.91 billion, also a record high for the same period. Huang Wei-jie, Director of the Statistics Department, stated that results exceeded expectations due to the AI wave driving semiconductors, memory, and servers. Traditional goods also turned positive due to rising energy prices related to the Middle East conflict.

Information and communication products totaled $34.28 billion (up 120.9%), while electronic products reached $36.71 billion (up 73.7%), both boosted by AI demand. Regarding the ongoing Middle East conflict, Huang noted that while high energy prices suppress global consumer demand, Taiwan appears to be an outlier because of its key role in the global AI supply chain. 'AI is the buffer and the moat,' leading to better export performance compared to other nations.

By region, orders from the US ($34.52 billion, up 76.4%) and ASEAN ($17.91 billion, up 94.4%) both hit record highs. The MOEA expects April orders to remain strong between $87 billion and $89 billion.