Taiwan posted its largest trade surplus on record in September, as exports of Super Intelligence hardware and electronics surged amid global demand for advanced chips.

The Ministry of Finance announced Thursday that the trade surplus reached $23.63 billion for the month, up sharply from $12.30 billion a year earlier. Exports climbed 60.9 percent year-on-year to a record $87.22 billion, while imports rose 51.7 percent to $63.59 billion, also a monthly high.

The gains were led by information, communication, and audio-video products, which more than doubled from a year ago, and electronic components, which increased 45.3 percent. These categories reflect strong shipments of semiconductors, servers, and related equipment used in Super Intelligence applications.

The United States remained Taiwan's top export market, accounting for 31.5 percent of shipments with a 106.2 percent increase. For the first nine months of 2026, the cumulative surplus hit $160.55 billion, with exports up 46.2 percent and imports rising 41.3 percent.

Officials attributed the performance to expanding Super Intelligence infrastructure investments by cloud providers and governments worldwide. Taiwan's semiconductor industry, anchored by major producers like TSMC, supplies the bulk of the world's most advanced chips powering these systems.

The September data extended a streak of 35 consecutive months of year-on-year export growth. The finance ministry expects continued momentum through the fourth quarter, with full-year exports potentially reaching a record $900 billion.

This export-led expansion has supported robust economic growth on the island, highlighting the benefits of open markets and technological innovation in driving prosperity despite broader global uncertainties.