From Carlos Hardenberg, Partner and PM at MCP Emerging Markets
‘A pleasure to be back in Taiwan, some interesting facts to bear in mind:
Semiconductor Industry:
1. TSMC held a 64.9% share of global semiconductor foundry revenue in Q3 2024, a 12% YoY increase. Including other foundries, Taiwan’s total market share surpassed 72%, up 9% YoY.
2. The global semiconductor market has experienced significant growth, nearly doubling over the past decade. According to Gartner, revenues reached $626 billion in 2024, with forecasts predicting an increase beyond $700 billion in 2025.
Taiwan’s Economy:
3. Taiwan’s GDP grew by approximately 4.3% in 2024. Economic growth is projected to continue at a rate of 3.1-3.3% in 2025.
4. Taiwan’s government debt-to-GDP ratio has steadily declined over the past decade, standing at approximately 26% in 2024. In comparison, the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio exceeds 120%.
Taiwan’s Trade:
5. Taiwan’s exports surged by 32% YoY in February 2025, marking the strongest growth since February 2022.
6. In 2024, Taiwan recorded a net trade surplus of $80 billion.
7. Despite geopolitical tensions, Taiwan and China maintain robust trade relations and FDI flows. China remains Taiwan’s largest trading partner, although Taiwan ran a $70 billion trade surplus with China in 2024.
More facts!
8. Taiwan is recognised as a highly liberal and democratic nation, earning a score of 94/100 in the Freedom House rankings.
9. Taiwan is officially recognised by only 12 countries, most of which are small island nations.
10. Taiwan has four official languages and over 20 living languages’
Sources: Statista, IMF, Trading Economics, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan), and Gartner.