US Imports from Taiwan Surpass China Amid AI Boom, Trade Shifts

• US imports from Taiwan exceeded China for the first time in decades in December, driven by AI chip demand.
• US purchases from China dropped nearly 44% to $21.1 billion, while imports from Taiwan more than doubled to $24.7 billion.
• The surge in Taiwanese shipments reflects massive demand for AI chips and servers, transforming Taiwan's trade profile.
• Trump-era tariffs have reshaped trade flows, with Taiwanese firms increasing exports to the US, which now takes almost a third of Taiwan's total exports.
• A new trade deal between Taipei and Washington will lower tariffs and allow duty-free semiconductor shipments under quotas, boosting Taiwan's GDP growth forecast.