July export orders highest in 13 months

September 17, 2007

Export orders in July increased by 23.49%, the highest in six months, according to a recent announcement by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

The increase in export orders, which totaled USD 29.72 billion, was due to the continued growth of the global economy, and the traditional high season in Q3 for electronics and IT products, said the MOEA.

Export orders from Jan. to July of this year have totaled USD 18.92 billion, a 14.32% year-on-year increase.

Backed by strong demand for notebook computers and increased orders with Taiwan OEMs, IT and telecommunications products comprised the largest amount of export orders (30.64%) in July, totaling USD 1.38 billion. Electronics comprised the second largest amount of exports (21.42%), totaling USD 1.22 billion, due to high demand for consumer electronics. Transportation equipment saw a large increase of 151.87%, or USD 1.02 billion, thanks to a large order placed with Taiwan Shipbuilding Corp.

Hong Kong and China placed the largest amount of orders, totaling USD 7.87 billion, followed by the US, which placed USD 6.89 billion.

An MOEA survey showed that 23.3% of manufacturers expect an increase in orders in Aug. from July; 51.12% expect the amount of orders to remain the same, while 25.58% expect a decrease.

The MOEA said that despite uncertain factors such as the recent sub-prime mortgage fallout in the US, high oil prices, and China's macroeconomic policies, Taiwan will continue to see growth in Aug., given the high season for manufacturers, particularly in electronics, IT and telecom products, and precision instruments.

(Central News Agency)

E-mail this page.