Amid heightened global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical risks, global supply chains and trade patterns are undergoing long-term structural shifts. To help mid-sized corporates navigate these changes, Citi Commercial Bank Taiwan recently hosted two client forums, bringing together Citi experts and cross-border trade specialists to share the latest insights and practical strategies. The events drew nearly 200 corporate representatives and were met with strong engagement.
Adrienne Lui, Citi Taiwan Economist, noted that despite elevated global uncertainties, Taiwan’s strong competitiveness in the AI and semiconductor supply chains positions its corporates well to adapt to shifting trade dynamics and evolving global supply chain structures. She emphasized that regardless of future geopolitical developments, markets such as ASEAN, Mexico, and the EU remain key destinations for Taiwanese companies and reposition their international footprint — due to cost advantages, and regional trade frameworks.
Supported by robust demand for AI and emerging technologies, Taiwan’s exports to ASEAN and the US reached new monthly highs. According to statistics, in April, Taiwan’s exports to ASEAN totaled US$10.46 billion, a 60.2 percent year-on-year increase. Notably, exports to Malaysia surged nearly 116 percent between January and April, making Malaysia Taiwan’s third-largest export market after China/Hong Kong and the US — a shift largely attributed to supply chain realignment and production adjustments. In addition, in February, Taiwan’s exports to the US exceeded those to China for the first time.
Photo courtesy of Citi Taiwan
The Citi Commercial Bank Taiwan forums featured expert insights from Adrienne Lui and Catherine Simmons, head of Government Affairs for Japan, Australia, North Asia, and South Asia, who provided in-depth analysis on global economic trends and geopolitical developments. Citi’s cross-border solutions team also shared insights on how the bank’s services can help mid-sized corporates navigate uncertainty and turn emerging challenges into opportunities.
“In today’s highly uncertain market environment and rapidly evolving investment landscape, Citi provides clients with timely market insights and geopolitical perspectives to support strategic decision-making and comprehensive financial solutions for cross-border investment and operational needs. As a global bank, Citi is committed to helping our clients adapt their business models and strategies to fast-changing geopolitical and trade dynamics,” said Michelle Yu, head of Citi Commercial Bank Taiwan.
Lui mentioned the increasing volatility in the global landscape and the pressures arising from shifting capital flows, which are driving corporates to accelerate supply chain restructuring. She further highlighted ASEAN’s advantages — including regional trade agreements and market potential — positioning it as the most attractive destination for “China+1” and “China+N” supply chain strategies among international and Taiwanese corporates. She remains positive on Taiwan’s economic outlook, supported by AI-driven industrial upgrades and solid GDP growth momentum. Taiwan’s competitiveness in AI and semiconductor supply chains provides a strong foundation for navigating trade negotiations and global supply chain adjustments.
Lui emphasized that ASEAN, the USMCA, and the EU markets remain key priorities in Taiwanese companies’ global strategies. Beyond these regional frameworks, strengthening trade cooperation with other markets, accelerating de-risking efforts, and pursuing diversified market strategies are necessary considerations for Taiwanese companies seeking to further mitigate risk, enhance competitiveness, and adapt to the evolving global trade system.
As geopolitical tensions and evolving economic policies create new and uncharted territory for countries and companies, Citi’s global network is a competitive advantage, and our product depth in managing risk and hedging in global markets is unmatched. Citi has been navigating all types of market environments for our clients for more than 200 years and have built a strategy based on a diversified business mix. With a physical presence in more than 90 markets, and a network serving clients in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, we are uniquely positioned to support our cross-border clients who are at the heart of our strategy and who will need our support as they adapt to this new world order.
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