Taiwan’s trade surplus widened sharply to USD 18.89 billion in January 2026, up from USD 10.06 billion a year earlier and surpassing market expectations of USD 16.7 billion. Export values jumped 69.9% year-on-year to USD 65.77 billion, supported by strong growth across all major categories. The most notable gains were recorded in information, communication and audio-video products (up 129.8%), parts of electronic products (up 59.8%), and base metals and articles of base metals (up 22.3%).
Exports to the United States surged 151.8%, accounting for 32.4% of Taiwan’s total exports. This spike followed the implementation of a trade agreement between the US and Taiwan designed to support American semiconductor production in exchange for lower tariffs.
On the import side, Taiwan’s purchases rose 63.6% to USD 46.87 billion, with gains recorded in all major categories. The sharpest increases were seen in electronic products (up 63.4%), information, communication and audio-video products (up 254%), and machinery (up 14.9%). By source, import growth was strongest from Mainland China and Hong Kong (up 54.5%) and South Korea (up 75.9%).
