TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Research Institute (台灣綜合研究院) reported a robust Taiwan economic development for electricity consumption in June on Wednesday (July 23), marking the third consecutive month of strong performance. This indicates a stable short-term economic outlook for the manufacturing sector. Semiconductor and electronics industries have driven this growth, with national industrial electricity usage rising 0.67% compared to last year.
Due to thriving applications in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and cloud services, the electronics sector has maintained high utilization rates in semiconductor-related industries. However, traditional industries like chemical materials, steel, and machinery manufacturing have experienced negative growth in electricity consumption due to weak global demand and price competition pressures.
Despite the semiconductor industry's sustained high capacity utilization, the growth momentum in electricity consumption has slightly converged as urgent orders and inventory restocking effects wane. The institute noted that uncertainty surrounding the U.S.'s new round of tariff policies has prompted a conservative market outlook, causing some industries to adjust production capacity and shipping schedules. This has led to a slight slowdown in electricity consumption growth in June compared to May.
The institute forecasts a 5.0% economic growth rate for June, underscoring the semiconductor industry's role as a core engine supporting Taiwan's economic growth. As the tariff deferral deadline approaches, the gradual decline of early shipping benefits has contributed to a convergence in electricity consumption growth in the electronics sector. The institute emphasized the need to closely monitor U.S. tariff policy developments and international trade negotiations, as these outcomes are crucial for Taiwan's export momentum in the second half of the year and overall economic growth.