Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs said the industrial production index rose 19.17 percent year-on-year to 140.76 in September, a 31st straight month of growth. Demand for AI servers and chips led the gains, and manufacturing output is forecast to grow by more than 20 percent again in October.
According to the Taipei Times and the Liberty Times, the ministry announced on the 23rd that the September industrial production index stood at 140.76, up 19.17 percent from a year earlier. Industrial output has now grown year-on-year for 31 consecutive months. The ministry cited the artificial intelligence boom as the main driver.
광고 문의 · 300×250The manufacturing subindex, which accounts for more than 90 percent of total production, rose 20.21 percent to 143.31. For the third quarter, industrial production rose 21.95 percent and manufacturing 23.05 percent. In the first nine months, industrial output was up 20.53 percent and manufacturing 21.83 percent, cementing a double-digit growth trend for the year.
AI servers and chips lead the way
By sector, computer, electronic and optical products rose 45.92 percent, a 39th straight month of growth. The ministry said demand for AI servers, network switches, semiconductor inspection equipment and solid-state drives underpinned the gain.
Electronic components rose 23.62 percent, led across the board by 12-inch wafer foundries, IC packaging and testing, memory chipmakers, IC designers and IC substrate makers. Machinery climbed 26.02 percent as chipmakers installed equipment to expand capacity.
Traditional industries lagged. Base metals rose 1.39 percent on recovering demand, while autos and parts gained only 2.35 percent, helped by electric passenger cars and all-terrain vehicles. Chemical materials and fertilizer fell 4.29 percent on weak demand and output cuts during annual maintenance.
October growth also seen above 20 percent, geopolitics a risk
The ministry forecast that manufacturing output in October will rise 20.5 to 24.2 percent year-on-year, saying AI demand and the year-end shopping season should support industrial production through the end of the year.
The ministry also warned that geopolitical tensions and the trade policies of major economies could add uncertainty to the global economy. With wide gaps between sectors, the concentration of growth in AI-related electronics is also worth watching. No direct remarks by a named official were found in the announcement.