Launch of iPhone 6 set to bolster Taiwan’s second-half exports
The launch of new tech products such as Apple’s iPhone 6 will help Taiwan remain one of Asia’s stronger exporters.
Taiwan's export orders expanded less than expected last month even as factories rushed output before new smartphone launches, pointing to erratic demand in some of its major markets.
New product launches, particularly Apple's anticipated iPhone 6 smartphone next month, are expected to bolster Taiwan's economic expansion this year amid a patchy global recovery.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, however, sounded a warning about potential delays in the current quarter.
"Third-quarter orders for handheld devices could be hit due to uncertainty resulting from some companies' product launches," the ministry said. "But we're still optimistic about the second-half outlook."
We’re looking at Apple-related orders being less than expected or [another] factor
July export orders rose 5.7 per cent from a year earlier. June's rise was the fastest pace in 11/2 years.
Orders from the United States slowed to 1.5 per cent in July from a 6.7 per cent growth in June, while orders from China also eased to a 9.2 per cent growth from 14.5 per cent growth in the same period. They are Taiwan's two biggest markets.