TW Market | Report on Taiwan's Machine Tool and Key Components Import & Export in September 2026
Taiwan’s Machine Tool Exports Edge Down in First Three Quarters, While Key Components Maintain Growth
Taiwan’s trade in machine tools and key components followed divergent trends in the first three quarters of 2026. Machine tool exports remained under pressure, while key component exports continued to grow. Imports of both categories increased compared with the same period last year.
| Category | January–September 2026 | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Exports | US$1.492 billion | −1.9% |
| Machine Tool Imports | US$498 million | +15.8% |
| Key Component Exports | US$1.264 billion | +13.1% |
| Key Component Imports | US$194 million | +33.3% |
Machine Tool Exports Decline Slightly, While Metalforming Equipment Remains Relatively Resilient
Machine tool exports totaled US$167 million in September, down 0.9% month over month and 1.8% year over year. In the first three quarters, metalcutting machine tool exports reached US$1.217 billion, a decline of 3.3% from a year earlier, while metalforming machine tool exports increased 4.8% to US$275 million. The leading export markets were China (including Hong Kong), the United States, and India, in that order.
Machine Tool Imports Rise, with Metalcutting Equipment Driving Cumulative Growth
Machine tool imports totaled US$66.30 million in September, down 0.6% month over month but up 20.6% year over year. In the first three quarters, metalcutting machine tool imports rose 19.1% to US$417 million, while metalforming machine tool imports increased 1% to approximately US$80.64 million. Japan, China (including Hong Kong), and Germany were the three largest sources of imports.
Key Component Exports Grow as Import Demand Also Strengthens
Key component exports totaled approximately US$147 million in September, down 1.3% month over month but up 24.6% year over year. Imports reached approximately US$25.94 million, increasing 9.2% month over month and 54.3% year over year. In the first three quarters, the main export markets were China (including Hong Kong), the United States, and Japan, while the leading sources of imports were China (including Hong Kong), Japan, and Germany.
Emerging Markets Provide Momentum, with Equipment Investment Demand Worth Monitoring
Overall, exports of complete machines and trade in components followed different trajectories. Machine tool demand in India, Vietnam, and Malaysia, together with component demand in Italy, India, and Vietnam, provided some growth momentum. Overseas demand and changes in equipment investment will remain key areas to monitor.
