Politics · Other · 2 hrs ago
Commentary says Taiwan’s growth is strong but uneven and chip-dependent
Taiwan’s economy is growing, helped by global demand for advanced chips used in artificial intelligence.
The commentary says the island’s semiconductor industry, led by TSMC, is driving much of that growth and exports.
It argues that the gains are uneven: typical workers’ pay has not kept pace with headline economic figures, and many traditional manufacturers are struggling.
It also warns that Taiwan’s stock market depends heavily on a small number of technology companies and could be vulnerable if enthusiasm for AI fades.
The commentary says public funds have been used to support the market, while swings in foreign investment add to volatility.
It further argues that plans for Taiwanese companies to invest in the United States could weaken the island’s industrial base.
It gives no specific policy response or next step.
A China News Service commentary says Taiwan’s strong economic growth relies heavily on its semiconductor industry and is unevenly shared.
It argues that rising GDP and exports have not translated into comparable gains for many workers.
The article says Taiwan’s stock market is concentrated in a few technology companies and faces risks from volatility.
It also warns that plans to expand investment in the United States could weaken Taiwan’s industrial base.
The commentary attributes the imbalance to the structure of Taiwan’s economy and criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party authorities.
- Who
- Taiwan’s economy and its workers, manufacturers and semiconductor industry are the focus. The commentary is by Sheng Jiuyuan, director of the Taiwan Research Center at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
- What
- The commentary argues that Taiwan’s strong growth is uneven and heavily dependent on semiconductors.
- When
- Published on October 12, 2026. It refers to a speech by Lai Ching-te on October 10.
- Where
- Taiwan.
- Why
- The author says semiconductor-led growth has not benefited most workers and warns that market concentration and overseas investment could create risks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Taiwan’s economic growth at this stage is highly dependent on the industrial ecosystem formed by semiconductors; it can be called “one industry driving the economy.
The contrast itself is the best footnote to “two different worlds, one of ice and one of fire.
Taiwan established the direction of its industrial development, which the commentary says helped lay the foundation for its semiconductor industry.
Lai Ching-te gave a speech in which he highlighted economic achievements, according to the commentary.
China News Service published the commentary on Taiwan’s economic divisions and semiconductor dependence.
- GDP and exports
- The commentary says both remained strong in 2026.
- Export share
- Electronic components and information and communications technology products accounted for more than 70% of exports.
- 2025 per capita GDP
- Nearly US$42,000, or about NT$1.34 million, according to the article.
- Employee median salary
- About NT$585,000, according to the article.
- Taiwan semiconductor investment in the United States
- The article says Taiwan’s technology industry was increasing investment by US$500 billion and that 40% of Taiwan’s semiconductor capacity would move to the United States.
Sources
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