Taiwan’s exports surged 31.5% year-on-year in February USto $41.31 billion, far exceeding the 17% growth forecast. This marked the 16th consecutive month of rising exports.

Ministry of Finance (MoF) attributed the growth to strong AI-related demand and customers placing orders ahead of potential US tariffs on Taiwanese chips under consideration by President Donald Trump.

Electronic components exports rose 24.6% to US$14.44 billion, with semiconductor exports matching this increase. Taiwan’s key suppliers, including TSMC, benefited from strong demand from tech giants like Apple and Nvidia.

Exports to the US skyrocketed 65.6% to US$11.77 billion, while exports to China rebounded 27.9% after a January decline. Imports also jumped 47.8% to US$34.76 billion, far surpassing the expected 19.2% increase.

While AI demand continues to boost exports, MoF warned that geopolitical risks and tariff uncertainties could impact future trends.

For March, exports are projected to see a year-on-year change between a 1% decline and a 2% increase.