German Businesses in Taiwan Demonstrate Dual Commitment – Sustaining Invest-ment and Advancing Sustainability

The German Trade Office Taipei (GTO) today released two major publications, presenting the latest developments of German businesses in Taiwan in both business performance and sustainability efforts. The inaugural German Business Confidence Survey Report – Mid-Year Update 2025 reflects the steady growth of German enterprises amid global economic volatility, while the sixth edition of the CSR Report of German Companies in Taiwan 2024/2025 showcases diverse cases of corporate engagement in local communities and sustainability initiatives.

“German companies’ confidence in the Taiwanese market has not been shaken by challenges,” said Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative and Executive Director of the GTO. “Although U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty persist, most German companies continue to perform steadily and remain optimistic about Taiwan’s investment outlook. We encourage the government to continue creating a business-friendly environment and to reduce import restrictions to foster further growth.”

Mixed Outlook for H2 2025 – Nearly 70% of Companies Proceed with Planned Investments as Confidence in Taiwan Persists

The German Business Confidence Survey Report – Mid-Year Update shows that in the first half of 2025, more than 60% of German companies in Taiwan achieved their business targets, with 50% reporting revenue growth. Looking ahead to the second half, about one-third expect increased profits, while 18% anticipate declines. However, satisfaction with performance has slightly decreased, with fewer than half of the companies satisfied with their own results. Over the past three years, around half of German companies have outperformed their market averages, with the machinery/industrial equipment and electronics/computers sectors showing the most outstanding performance.

In terms of challenges, global economic growth and U.S. tariffs have become top concerns. The survey reveals that 54% of respondents consider U.S. tariffs and trade negotiations their primary concern, second only to global economic growth (59%). Other challenges include slow market development (42%), cross-strait relations, and Taiwan’s economic growth (both at 41%). Notably, concern over cross-strait relations has dropped by 15 percentage points compared to 2024. In addition, one in four companies remains affected by import restrictions, resulting in higher costs, greater planning and logistics uncertainty, and delays in obtaining critical components.

Despite these challenges, investment momentum remains steady. Nearly 70% of German companies in Taiwan proceeded with planned investments in the first half of the year, with most making only minor adjustments for the second half: 55% will maintain their existing strategies, while 22% have no new investment plans. Overall, Taiwan’s appeal as an investment destination remains strong, with 65% of companies rating it as equally or more attractive than other locations in the region. Market size and growth potential are the main draws, while those who find Taiwan more advantageous particularly value its innovation and technology ecosystem and well-developed infrastructure.

Most German companies remain confident in meeting their full-year 2025 targets, with only 16% expressing concern about missing them. However, opinions on industry prospects for the second half of the year are divided: 23% are pessimistic, 31% are optimistic, and 46% remain neutral. Views in the machinery sector are especially polarized, with both bullish and cautious perspectives. Half of the respondents expect performance to be on par with the market, while 38% anticipate outperforming it. Looking ahead to the next three years, nearly half of German companies remain optimistic about growth in their respective industries, especially in machinery, electronics, energy, and chemicals, where most expect continued expansion.

Local Impact of German Businesses – 25 Companies Deeply Engaged in Taiwan’s Communities and Sustainability

Also released today, the CSR Report of German Companies in Taiwan 2024/2025 provides a comprehensive overview of how German enterprises actively fulfill their roles as corporate citizens. As the initiator of this report, Dr. Langerbeck said: “Since taking up my post, I have been deeply impressed by the dedication and commitment of German companies to giving back to Taiwanese society. This year, 25 German companies participated in the report, with initiatives spanning environmental protection, social care, and sustainable development. Most also support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating that CSR has become an integral part of their corporate values.”

The CSR Report of German Companies in Taiwan 2024/2025 not only compiles the diverse CSR initiatives of German enterprises but also highlights GTO-led public welfare activities that rally collective participation from the business community. On September 12, the third “German Charity Soccer Tournament” will be held, bringing together Germany’s renowned football culture, German companies in Taiwan, and charitable organizations to showcase sportsmanship, teamwork, and tangible support for social causes. Another long-running initiative, the “GTO CSR Day,” now in its fifth year, will take place on November 11 at Wulai Elementary School in New Taipei City. On that day, representatives from German companies will design courses based on their industry expertise, taking on the role of one-day lecturers to inspire students’ curiosity about unfamiliar fields in a globalized era and enhance their international competitiveness.

List of Participating Companies in the 2024/2025 CSR Report:

Allianz Taiwan Life Insurance; Aquila Clean Energy APAC, Taiwan Branch; ARBURG GmbH + Co KG Taiwan Branch; B. Braun Taiwan; BASF Taiwan; Bosch Taiwan; CARL ZEISS; Covestro (Taiwan); DEKRA; DHL Express Taiwan; Emma Sleep Taiwan Co. Ltd.; ENERCON Taiwan; Evonik Taiwan Ltd.; Fresenius Kabi Taiwan Ltd.; German Trade Office Taipei; ifm electronic Ltd.; igus Taiwan; Kärcher; Merck; Siemens Energy; Siemens Limited Taiwan; Stober Drives Taiwan Systems; TÜV Rheinland Taiwan; TÜV SÜD Asia Ltd., Taiwan Branch.; Volkswagen Group Taiwan; wpd Taiwan.

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