Taiwan Exports Set for Strong 1Q24 Growth as Economic Recovery Gains Momentum

In December 2023, Taiwan witnessed a remarkable surge in exports, defying market expectations and setting the stage for a promising start to 2024. This article explores the key factors driving this growth and the challenges that lie ahead.

December 2023: A Closer Look

The month of December 2023 saw Taiwan’s exports surge by 11.8% year-on-year, reaching a robust USD 39.9 billion. This exceeded market expectations and marked the highest export expansion since July 2022. Notably, the primary driver of this boost was a staggering 94.7% surge in shipments of information, communication, and audio-video products.

(Exports YoY, MoF Taiwan) 

However, certain sectors experienced declines, including plastics and rubber (-3.2%), machinery (-2.8%), parts of electronic products (-1.2%), and base metals (-1.1%).

Regional Dynamics

From a regional perspective, China and Hong Kong recorded a contraction in imports from Taiwan (-6.4%), while exports to the United States soared by 49.7%. Other markets that contributed significantly to the growth included ASEAN countries (+21.7%), Europe (+16.0%), and Japan (+10.1%).

Annual Performance and Outlook for 2024

Despite the impressive December performance, Taiwan’s overall exports for the year 2023 were still 9.8% lower than the corresponding period in 2022.

Looking ahead into 2024, sustaining and building upon December’s export momentum will be crucial for Taiwan to return its foreign shipments to pre-2023 levels. The trajectory will largely hinge on global macroeconomic conditions and the resolution of trade frictions.

Trade Surplus: A Double Surge

In tandem with the export growth, Taiwan’s trade surplus witnessed a significant expansion in December 2023. The surplus doubled from USD 4.9 billion in the same month of 2022 to USD 11.1 billion.

On an annual scale, Taiwan’s trade surplus for 2023 reached a substantial USD 80.6 billion, showcasing a remarkable increase from the USD 51.3 billion surplus recorded in 2022.

(Balance of Trade, MoF Taiwan) 

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

As Taiwan navigates the complex landscape of global trade, the surge in exports in December 2023 provides a positive outlook for the coming year. The country’s ability to sustain and build upon this momentum will play a pivotal role in shaping its economic recovery.