Taiwan Posts Largest Current Account Surplus on Record

2026-02-26 08:58 By Judith Sib-at 1 min. read

Taiwan posted a current account surplus of USD 69.93 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, more than doubling from USD 33.91 billion in the corresponding quarter in the previous year.

This was the largest amount since records began in 1981.

The goods trade surplus increased sharply to USD 63.64 billion from USD 25.75 billion a year ago, largely due to strong export growth supported by sustained momentum in AI and other emerging technologies.

On the other hand, the services deficit rose to USD 2.47 billion from USD 1.82 billion, reflecting lower freight service receipts by resident carriers and higher travel-related spending.

In addition, the primary income surplus narrowed to USD 10.59 billion from USD 11.35 billion last year, amid increased outward payments for nonresidents’ direct investment income.

The secondary income deficit also widened to USD 1.83 billion from USD 1.37 billion, due to higher outward workers’ remittances.



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Taiwan Posts Largest Current Account Surplus on Record
Taiwan posted a current account surplus of USD 69.93 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, more than doubling from USD 33.91 billion in the corresponding quarter in the previous year. This was the largest amount since records began in 1981. The goods trade surplus increased sharply to USD 63.64 billion from USD 25.75 billion a year ago, largely due to strong export growth supported by sustained momentum in AI and other emerging technologies. On the other hand, the services deficit rose to USD 2.47 billion from USD 1.82 billion, reflecting lower freight service receipts by resident carriers and higher travel-related spending. In addition, the primary income surplus narrowed to USD 10.59 billion from USD 11.35 billion last year, amid increased outward payments for nonresidents’ direct investment income. The secondary income deficit also widened to USD 1.83 billion from USD 1.37 billion, due to higher outward workers’ remittances.
2026-02-26
Taiwan Current Account Surplus Hits Fresh High
Taiwan’s current account surplus widened to USD 45.84 billion in the third quarter of 2025 from USD 25.08 billion in the same period a year earlier, marking a new record high. The goods trade surplus climbed to USD 49.83 billion from USD 27.93 billion, driven by higher exports amid strong momentum in AI and other emerging technologies, as well as rising demand for new electronics products. Additionally, the primary income surplus increased to USD 2.64 billion from USD 2.14 billion, reflecting higher returns on residents’ outward direct investment. In contrast, the services deficit rose slightly to USD 4.08 billion from USD 3.90 billion due to increased travel spending and lower freight service receipts. The secondary income deficit also expanded to USD 2.54 billion from USD 1.08 billion, mainly because of an increase in outward workers' remittances.
2025-11-20
Taiwan Current Account Surplus Hits Record High
Taiwan’s current account surplus widened to USD 36.23 billion in Q2 2025, the highest level since records began in 1981, compared with a revised USD 23.16 billion in the same period last year. The goods trade surplus expanded to USD 36.18 billion from USD 21.14 billion, mainly supported by rising demand for emerging technology applications and inventory front-loading by overseas firms. Meanwhile, the services account deficit widened slightly to USD 4.27 billion from USD 4.22 billion, primarily due to higher construction expenditures. The primary income surplus also shrank to USD 6.32 billion from USD 7.32 billion, reflecting a decrease in residents’ income from outward direct investment, while the secondary income deficit increased to USD 2.00 billion from USD 1.09 billion, largely owing to higher workers’ outward remittances.
2025-08-20