IMPETUS:Virtual reality, Internet of Things and handheld gadgets act as catalysts in an upward trend, Department of Statistics Director-General Yeh Maan-tzwu said

Taipei Times
Date:  Jul 09, 2016
By: Crystal Hsu  /  Staff reporter

Exports contracted by 2.1 percent annually to US$22.89 billion last month, the smallest decline in 17 months, as demand for technology products gained traction while non-technology exports remained weak, the Ministry of Finance said yesterday.

Trade figures might return to positive territory this month, ending 17 consecutive months of declines, as demand spurred by inventory-building looks healthy and sustainable if Brexit and other downside risks prove to be controllable, Department of Statistics Director-General Yeh Maan-tzwu (葉滿足) said.

“The growth momentum for electronic component exports is likely to be sustainable given the sanguine guidance by major technology firms and continued increase in their capital spending,” Yeh said by telephone.

Virtual reality, handheld and Internet of Things gadgets are acting as catalysts in an upward trend that might further improve with the expected launches of Apple Inc’s next-generation iPhone, iPad and other products in September, Yeh said.     [FULL  STORY]