Taiwan's September exports jump 60.9% to a record US$87.22bn, and the statistics chief puts AI investment first among the reasons

Taiwan's Ministry of Finance said on 8 October: “For Sep. 2026, total exports expanded by 60.9% year on year to US$87.22 billion.” Imports rose 51.7% to US$63.59 billion, leaving a trade surplus of US$23.63 billion.

Focus Taiwan, the national news agency CNA's English service, reports that September beat August's US$82.4 billion as a monthly record and was the 35th consecutive month of year-on-year growth. It reports Department of Statistics Director-General Beatrice Tsai naming four factors: AI and technology investment, demand for advanced electronic components, tight supply keeping prices high, and stockpiling ahead of new device launches. Focus Taiwan quotes her calling it a “historic and brilliant moment”.

The ministry forecasts October exports of US$85.2–87.7 billion, up 40–44%, Focus Taiwan reports.

The ministry's own summary does not mention AI and gives no product breakdown, so product and destination figures in other coverage are not used here. With TSMC's monthly filing the same day, it is a second official read on the AI hardware trade from the island that builds most of it.

• Confirmed September exports rose 60.9% year on year to US$87.22bn; imports rose 51.7% to US$63.59bn; the surplus was US$23.63bn. Taiwan Ministry of Finance
• Reported September was a monthly record and the 35th consecutive month of growth; the statistics chief cited AI and technology investment among four factors. Focus Taiwan (CNA)
• Reported The ministry forecasts October exports of US$85.2–87.7bn, up 40–44%. Focus Taiwan (CNA)