The German Trade Office Taipei yesterday pressed for closer trade ties with Taiwan, calling Taiwan a stable market and local firms reliable partners amid rising global uncertainty linked to US tariff challenges.
“In today’s uncertain global environment, companies value reliable partners and stable markets more than ever,” the trade office said in a report. “Taiwan is exactly such a market and we will continue fostering bilateral exchange and advancing Germany-Taiwan economic cooperation to new heights.”
The office last month conducted a survey to assess the impact of global political developments on business strategies, with a focus on the implications of the German federal election and the return of US President Donald Trump to the White House.
Photo: CNA
Most German businesses in Taiwan reported limited direct effects from the German election, and many expressed hope that the new government would strengthen economic and investment ties with Taiwan.
By contrast, US trade policies under Trump have raised concern, as more than 50 percent of companies said they expect a negative impact on their operations and more than 30 percent were considering supply chain adjustments, it said.
Another 25 percent plan to bolster cooperation with Taiwanese partners to diversify risk, the trade office said.
German Trade Office Taipei Chief Representative and Executive Director Eva Langerbeck said she observed strong interest from German companies in the Taiwanese market, especially in areas such as aerospace, energy, transportation and smart cities.
According to the Ministry of Finance, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Germany was US$5 billion in the first quarter of this year, a 2 percent increase year-on-year, the office said.
Taiwan’s main exports to Germany were information and communications technology, electronic parts, audio-video products, vehicles, aircraft and vessels, while Germany’s major imports to Taiwan included chemicals, vehicles, aircraft, vessels and electronic parts, it said.
Notably, imports of optical and precision instruments, clocks and watches saw a 55 percent year-on-year growth, reflecting the strong complementarity of Taiwan’s and Germany’s industrial structures, the office said.
Taiwan’s approved direct investment in Germany totaled nearly US$490 million last year, it said, adding that although the figure was lower than the record-breaking Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (台積電) project in 2023, it far exceeded historical averages, demonstrating growing interest from Taiwanese companies in the German market.
One of the highlights was Walsin Lihwa Corp’s (華新麗華) acquisition of a century-old German seamless stainless steel tube manufacturer, a sign of Taiwanese investment diversifying beyond semiconductors and into high-end manufacturing, the office said.
The office said it also facilitated five industry delegations from Germany to Taiwan last year, covering themes such as electric-mobility, two-wheelers, leisure and smart machinery.
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