Taipei, Taiwan – To enhance bilateral economic dialogue between Germany and Taiwan, the German Trade Office Taipei released Germany–Taiwan trade data for the first quarter of 2025. The event also featured insights on the current state of German businesses operating in Taiwan, their perspectives on global geopolitical developments, firsthand observations from a recent visit to Germany, and a preview of upcoming German industry delegations visiting Taiwan.
Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative and Executive Director of the German Trade Office Taipei, stated:
"In today’s uncertain global environment, companies value reliable partners and stable markets more than ever. Taiwan is exactly such a market. We will continue fostering bilateral exchange and advancing Germany–Taiwan economic cooperation to new heights."
Q1 Bilateral Trade Shows Steady Growth, with Strong Complementarity in Industrial Structure
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance, bilateral trade between Germany and Taiwan reached USD 5 billion in Q1 2025, a 2% increase year-on-year. Taiwan’s main exports to Germany were Information, Communication and Audio-video Products, Parts of Electronic Product, and Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Associated. Major imports from Germany included Chemicals, Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Associated, and Parts of Electronic Product. Notably, imports of Optical, Precision Instruments; Clocks and Watches saw a significant 55% year-on-year growth, reflecting the strong complementarity in industrial structures between both sides.
On the investment side, Taiwan's approved direct investment in Germany totaled nearly USD 490 million in 2024. While lower than the record-breaking 2023 TSMC project, the figure far exceeded historical averages, demonstrating growing interest from Taiwanese companies in the German market. Among the highlights was Walsin Lihwa’s acquisition of a century-old German seamless stainless steel tube manufacturer, a sign of Taiwanese investment diversifying beyond semiconductors into high-end manufacturing.
Geopolitical Tensions Prompt Strategic Adjustments Among German Businesses
To assess the impact of global political developments on business strategies, the German Trade Office Taipei conducted a flash survey in early March. The survey focused on the implications of the German federal election and the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. While most German businesses in Taiwan reported limited direct impact from the German election, many expressed hopes that the new German government would further strengthen economic and investment ties with Taiwan.
In contrast, U.S. trade policies under Trump have raised concern. Over 50% of surveyed companies indicated a negative impact on operations, and more than 30% are considering supply chain adjustments. Another 25% plan to strengthen cooperation with local Taiwanese partners to diversify risk.
German Businesses Explore Opportunities in Taiwan; Industry Exchange Intensifies
Dr. Langerbeck also shared her observations from a recent trip to Germany, during which she visited the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), several local Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Taipei Representative Office in Germany, and various German investment agencies and companies interested in Taiwan. "During my visit, we saw strong interest from German companies in the Taiwanese market—especially in areas like aerospace, energy, transportation and smart cities. Many are actively exploring new partnership opportunities" according to Dr. Langerbeck.
In 2024, the German Trade Office Taipei facilitated five industry delegations from Germany to Taiwan, covering themes such as e-mobility, two-wheelers, leisure and smart machinery. In addition to the media delegation that visited in March, two further delegations focused on healthcare (May) and photonics & laser technology (November) are set to visit Taiwan later this year.
According to the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA), Taiwan ranks as the fifth-largest foreign exhibitor in Germany. In 2024 alone, nearly 3,000 Taiwanese companies participated in trade fairs such as MEDICA, EUROBIKE, ISPO Munich, and Hannover Messe. On the other hand, German companies continue to actively exhibit at major trade shows in Taiwan—including TIMTOS, TMTS, SEMICON, and Automation Taipei—many of them through the “German Pavilion” organized by the German Trade Office Taipei. Last year, nearly 60 German companies participated via this format, underscoring the dynamic level of bilateral industrial exchange.