Plastics Materials/Resins

Taiwan

Overview      

 

                                       2004               2005               2006 (Estimated)

Total Market Size          $5,956            $5,644            $6,398

Total Local Production    9,987             10,201            11,487

Total Exports                  7,590               8,456              9,303

Total Imports                  3,559               3,899              4,214

Imports from the U.S.        615                  633                  639

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.

 

Local demand for high value-added plastic materials and resins used in high-growth industries, such as electronics, communications, automobiles, textiles, packaging, medical supplies and sporting equipment has grown significantly.  To compete aggressively in regional markets, and especially China, Taiwan must markedly increase its production capacity.  Taiwan’s upstream raw materials suppliers must move swiftly to complete planned expansion projects in order to satisfy downstream demand.   Since Taiwan relies heavily on imports of high-quality plastic materials and resins from the United States and Japan to meet customer needs, American suppliers will find good business opportunities in Taiwan’s chemical industry marketplace.  Quality, price and technical service are major factors in selling engineering plastics, via agents, to manufacturers in Taiwan.

 

Best Prospects/Services                    

 

Importation of plastic materials and resins is estimated to reach US$4.2 billion in 2006.  Distributors expect a five to eight percent increase in imports in 2006 as demand for plastic materials and resins grow from downstream manufacturers.  Imports of high-end plastic materials and resins, particularly composite and engineering plastic materials, are on the rise, providing U.S. suppliers with excellent sales opportunities.  In Taiwan, plastic materials and resins from the United States have a good reputation for performance and technical support.  Best prospects are the products listed under the following Harmonized Tariff (HS) codes and their respective total import values in 2005 are listed below:

 

            3907 (US$988 million)

            3920 (US$797 million)

            3921 (US$699 million)

 

Opportunities 

 

Taiwan’s demand for imported plastic materials and resins will continue to enjoy moderate growth.  The applications for the most widely used plastics are in such areas as electronic parts, computers, electrical appliances, textiles, and building products.  In 2005, the United States enjoyed 16.2% (US$633 million) of the total import market and was the third largest supplier of plastics, next to Japan (37%) and Germany (21%).  U.S. suppliers of plastic material and resins will continue to maintain a substantial market share for the next two to three years.  Although U.S. plastic materials and resins are well accepted and highly regarded in Taiwan, there is strong competition from third-country and domestic suppliers.

 

Resources       

 

Board of Foreign Trade, MOEA: http://www.trade.gov.tw/

 

Taiwan Plastics Industry Association: http://www.ttpia.com.tw/

 

The biennial Taipei International Plastics & Rubber Industry Show will be held from September 18-22, 2008.  Firms interested in this show should contact Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) at taitra@N0SPAM.taitra.org.tw or visit the website: http://www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw/plas/

 

U.S. firms wishing to learn more about the plastics materials and resins market are also encouraged to contact CS Taiwan, Cindy Chang, Commercial Specialist, at cindy.chang@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or visit the website http://www.buyusa.gov/taiwan/en.