Electronic Components

Taiwan

 

Overview 

 

                                                  2004                 2005                 2006 (estimated)

Total Market Size                  $54,618            $56,140            $57,000

Total Local Production             60,500              70,600              71,000

Total Exports                            42,541             52,931              54,000

Total Imports                            36,659             38,471              40,000

Imports from the U.S.                 4,088               3,786                3,850

Notes:  Figures are in millions of USD.  The exchange rates (1USD=NTD) were NT$33.48 for 2004, NT$32.15 for 2005, and NT$32.50 for 2006 (estimated).  The statistics are unofficial estimates.

 

Taiwan electronics firms, especially information technology product producers, rely on imports of leading edge components (e.g., integrated circuits) to maintain the competitiveness of their assembly operations.  Taiwan’s efforts to maintain international competitiveness will continue to drive demand for imports from U.S. companies because of their superior technology.  U.S.-made semiconductors, integrated circuits in particular, are very competitive.  U.S. firms face their stiffest competition from Japanese companies, which have led the passive component and display markets for years.  Taiwan-produced components are mainly suitable for consumer electronic product applications.

 

Best Prospects/Services  

 

·            Monolithic digital & hybrid Integrated Circuits (ICs) 

·            Silicon wafers with dimensions between 8 and12 inches

·            Monolithic and monolithic digital IC chips and wafers

·            Transistors and light emitting diodes

·            Chips and wafers for light emitting diodes and transistors

·            Integrated circuits for central processing units

·            Plugs and sockets for co-axial cables and printed circuits

·            Dynamic random access memory integrated circuits

 

Opportunities                                 

 

Taiwan is increasingly focusing on production of high value-added electronics, such as notebook computers and handsets, and shifting the manufacture of many low-priced items overseas.  This has led to continued demand for the import of cutting edge components, providing American firms with great sales opportunities.  The U.S. has led the high-end sector and enjoyed promising sales to the information and communications industries.  U.S. firms are expected to continue as a major supplier of advanced and specialized items due to the excellent performance and reliability of U.S. products.

 

Resources

 

Industry Technology Research Institute (ITRI): http://www.itri.org.tw

 

Industrial Development Bureau, MOEA: http://www.moeaidb.gov.tw

 

Taiwan Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association: http://teema.org.tw

 

Information on major trade shows in Taiwan that are related to the electronics industry is available at the website http://www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw.  Firms interested in the relevant trade shows should contact the Taiwan External Trade Development Council at taitra@N0SPAM.taitra.org.tw for detailed information.

 

U.S. firms wishing to learn more about the ELC market are also encouraged to contact CS Taiwan Senior Commercial Specialist, Shirley Wang, at shirley.wang@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or visit the website http://www.buyusa.gov/taiwan/en.