Taipei: Taiwan's exports soared by 40.3 percent year-on-year, achieving a remarkable US$74.83 billion in June, marking the third-highest monthly total on record, propelled by sustained demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related products, as reported by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on Thursday. This achievement marked the 32nd consecutive month of year-on-year export growth, according to the ministry's preliminary customs statistics.

According to Focus Taiwan, exports of information, communication, and audiovisual products reached an impressive US$33.92 billion, marking the third-highest monthly level recorded, while electronic component exports achieved a significant US$25.39 billion, the second-highest monthly total ever. On the import front, figures climbed dramatically by 51.8 percent to reach a record US$62.63 billion for June, resulting in a trade surplus of US$12.2 billion, which was an increase of US$140 million compared to the previous year.

MOF Department of Statistics Director Beatrice Tsai attributed this robust export performance to resilient global economic growth in spite of geopolitical tensions. The robust AI-driven demand for advanced chips, servers, and other essential components, coupled with seasonal stocking ahead of new tech product launches and higher export prices amid tight electronics supply, played crucial roles. In the first half of 2026, exports amounted to a record US$416.66 billion, reflecting a 47.1 percent increase from a year earlier, while imports rose by 40.3 percent, reaching US$319.25 billion.

In the second quarter, exports reached a record US$220.93 billion, the first quarterly total to surpass US$200 billion. Exports of electronic and ICT products surged by 56.9 percent during the quarter, while shipments of traditional industrial goods increased by 9.4 percent, indicating a gradual recovery in the sector, as noted by Tsai. Among Taiwan's eleven major export categories, eight experienced year-on-year gains in June, with ICT and electronic component exports combined surging by 52.9 percent, while traditional industries as a whole grew by 6.9 percent for the fourth consecutive month.

Exports to all five of Taiwan's major overseas markets reached unprecedented highs for the first half of the year. Shipments to the United States experienced the strongest growth, rising by 69 percent, while exports to Europe and ASEAN increased by 55.7 percent and 55.4 percent, respectively, according to Tsai. 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, and current trends indicate that the surplus is expected to surpass US$200 billion for the full year.

In June, exports to the U.S. rose by 34.8 percent to US$23.28 billion, marking the third-highest monthly level on record and the 35th consecutive month of growth. Exports to Europe climbed by 48.4 percent, while shipments to Japan reached a record monthly high of US$3.32 billion. Exports to Hong Kong, China, and ASEAN also set record highs for the month. Comparing Taiwan with other major exporters, Tsai indicated that 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 forecasts July exports to range between US$76 billion and US$78.8 billion, representing a 34-39 percent increase from a year earlier, potentially ranking as either the second or third-highest monthly total on record.