The German Trade Office Taipei (GTO) today released the Taiwan–Germany trade statistics for the first quarter of 2026. The data shows continued growth momentum in bilateral trade during the first three months of the year, with Taiwan’s exports to Germany performing particularly strongly, reflecting deepening industrial cooperation between the two sides.
According to the latest data from Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance, Taiwan’s exports to Germany reached USD 2.12 billion in Q1 2026, marking a significant increase of 28.3% compared to USD 1.65 billion in the same period last year. Among export categories, electronic components showed the strongest performance, totaling USD 490 million with an impressive year-on-year growth of 71.2%. Information, communication and audio-video products also maintained significant growth, reaching USD 557 million (up 20.4% year-on-year). These figures highlight Taiwan’s increasingly important role as a key partner in Germany’s high-tech supply chain amid the global AI boom.
On the import side, Taiwan’s imports from Germany totaled USD 3.12 billion in the first quarter. While overall imports saw a slight decline of 5.5% due to supply chain adjustments, imports of precision machinery bucked the trend, growing by 24.1% to USD 635 million. This underscores Germany’s leading position in advanced manufacturing technologies and its continued role in supporting Taiwan’s semiconductor and high-end manufacturing upgrades.
Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative and Executive Director of the German Trade Office Taipei, commented: “The trade figures for the first quarter of 2026 once again demonstrate the strong complementarity between Taiwanese and German industries. The more than 70% growth in electronic component exports, together with nearly 25% growth in imports of German precision machinery, clearly reflects the close linkages between both sides in smart manufacturing and AI-driven transformation. Taiwan’s strengths in ICT and semiconductors, combined with Germany’s expertise in industrial technologies and manufacturing equipment, provide a solid foundation for further industrial upgrading and long-term cooperation.”
German Companies Accelerate Asia Expansion, Taiwan Emerges as a Key Partner
In March and April, Dr. Langerbeck visited Germany and, in cooperation with several local Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs), conducted a series of one-on-one business consultations with companies from sectors including machinery manufacturing, industrial automation, electronic components, and security.
As part of her visit, she also participated in the Foreign Trade Committee Meeting of IHK Dresden, held at ESMC, where she received first-hand updates and exchanged views on Taiwan’s role as a market for German companies. She noted that amid global supply chain restructuring, companies are increasingly seeking partners with a stable business environment and strong technological capabilities.
“Taiwan offers a solid foundation in semiconductors, AI hardware, and smart manufacturing, making it an important export and import partner for German companies looking to expand into the Asian market.”
She further observed growing interest from German companies already active in Taiwan. For example, a company specializing in cooling technologies and decarbonization is exploring expansion beyond its existing semiconductor business into additional industrial sectors, reflecting broader diversification trends in bilateral cooperation.
Strengthening Industrial Cooperation and Social Engagement
Looking ahead, the GTO will continue to serve as a key platform for Taiwan–Germany industrial exchange. On May 5, the office will host the Taiwan–Germany Aerospace, Satellite and Drone Industry Conference, bringing together 12 German companies in fields such as satellite components, unmanned systems, aerospace materials, and precision sensing technologies. The event aims to foster collaboration in emerging sectors such as low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and drone supply chains.
In addition to industrial engagement, the GTO remains committed to corporate social responsibility initiatives. In June, the office will once again partner with leading German winery Peter Mertes to host the “Riesling Night,” showcasing the unique characteristics of wines from the Rhine region. On June 26, the fourth annual German Company Charity Soccer Tournament will take place. Combining Germany’s football culture with charitable giving, participating teams will donate NTD 1,000 for every goal scored to Taiwan Sunshine, supporting children with special needs. The event highlights the long-term commitment of German companies to Taiwan and their active contribution to local communities.