Not Dragged Down by War: CRIF Estimates Taiwan's Exports to Hit Record $860.6 Billion This Year
CRIF China Credit Information Service reports that despite uncertainties from the Middle East war, Taiwan's export momentum remains strong due to booming AI demand. Exports for 2026 are projected to reach a record $860.6 billion.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 12:53
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 13:01 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 14:25 (1h 23m after Collected)
CNA News, Taipei, April 28. Taiwan's import and export values set new records in the first quarter of this year. CRIF indicated today that although the Middle East war has added uncertainty to the global economy, Taiwan's export momentum, benefited by robust actual demand in the AI industry, will not be affected. CRIF optimistically predicts that quarterly export amounts for Q2, Q3, and Q4 will all exceed $200 billion, with the annual total reaching $860.6 billion.
According to the latest preliminary customs trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance, exports in the first three months of this year were $195.74 billion (up 51.1% YoY) and imports were $142.78 billion (up 34.8% YoY), both reaching record quarterly highs. CRIF noted in a press release that the key to the record high in Q1 was the March export amount of $80.18 billion, a 61.8% increase YoY and the first time single-month exports surpassed the $80 billion mark.
CRIF observed that the main growth drivers remain semiconductor-led electronic components and ICT/audio-visual products, which performed exceptionally well under the AI trend. Electronic component exports in Q1 reached $65.58 billion (up 42.7% YoY), while ICT/audio-visual product exports hit $87.95 billion, more than doubling from the same period in 2025. However, CRIF reminded that products like rubber/plastic, textiles, paper, and transportation tools are still in decline, and machinery/electrical products saw growth under 20%.
Overall, CRIF considers the Q1 export total of $195.74 billion a surprise. Although the IMF lowered the global growth forecast from 3.3% to 2.8% due to the Middle East war, Taiwan's focus on AI-related electronics protects its total export growth. CRIF added that consolidated revenue for listed companies in semiconductors, computers, electronic components, and other electronics reached NT$8.19 trillion in Q1, up 36% YoY. With the traditional peak season yet to come, full-year revenue growth for these sectors is expected to be 40% to 50%.
CRIF optimistically forecasts quarterly exports for Q2 to Q4 at $211.3 billion, $225.7 billion, and $227.9 billion, respectively. Q2 performance will be the key indicator for the full-year growth outlook.
According to the latest preliminary customs trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance, exports in the first three months of this year were $195.74 billion (up 51.1% YoY) and imports were $142.78 billion (up 34.8% YoY), both reaching record quarterly highs. CRIF noted in a press release that the key to the record high in Q1 was the March export amount of $80.18 billion, a 61.8% increase YoY and the first time single-month exports surpassed the $80 billion mark.
CRIF observed that the main growth drivers remain semiconductor-led electronic components and ICT/audio-visual products, which performed exceptionally well under the AI trend. Electronic component exports in Q1 reached $65.58 billion (up 42.7% YoY), while ICT/audio-visual product exports hit $87.95 billion, more than doubling from the same period in 2025. However, CRIF reminded that products like rubber/plastic, textiles, paper, and transportation tools are still in decline, and machinery/electrical products saw growth under 20%.
Overall, CRIF considers the Q1 export total of $195.74 billion a surprise. Although the IMF lowered the global growth forecast from 3.3% to 2.8% due to the Middle East war, Taiwan's focus on AI-related electronics protects its total export growth. CRIF added that consolidated revenue for listed companies in semiconductors, computers, electronic components, and other electronics reached NT$8.19 trillion in Q1, up 36% YoY. With the traditional peak season yet to come, full-year revenue growth for these sectors is expected to be 40% to 50%.
CRIF optimistically forecasts quarterly exports for Q2 to Q4 at $211.3 billion, $225.7 billion, and $227.9 billion, respectively. Q2 performance will be the key indicator for the full-year growth outlook.