Gold is 2025’s best performer. UBS sees more upside
Investing.com -- Taiwan’s exports of AI servers, graphics processing units, and related parts to the United States jumped by more than $25 billion in the first half of 2025, representing a 150% increase compared to the same period last year.
This surge in AI-related electronics exports coincides with rapid data center construction in the US, suggesting the AI investment cycle is playing a larger role in Asian export growth than efforts to front-run US tariffs, according to a new report from Capital Economics.
While Asian exports grew approximately 7.5% in US dollar terms during the first six months of 2025 compared to a year earlier, the performance varied significantly by country.
Taiwan led the region with exports rising nearly 30% year-over-year, while Singapore, India, and South Korea experienced marginal declines. Other Asian nations saw export growth between 5-15%.
Despite concerns that Asian exports might sharply decline following the implementation of US tariffs, Capital Economics believes other factors beyond tariff front-running have supported the region’s export strength.
These include strong demand for AI-related products and early supply chain reorganization that has benefited Southeast Asia and India while reducing China’s market share.
The report notes that China’s declining share of US imports over the past year has been offset by increased imports from other Asian countries.
While some of this shift may involve rerouting of Chinese exports through third countries, Capital Economics suggests this explains only a small portion of the changing trade patterns.
For most Asian economies, the United States typically accounts for just 10-20% of their total exports, meaning 80-90% of their shipments are influenced by factors other than US tariffs.
Vietnam remains most dependent on US demand, with approximately 30% of its exports heading to America.
Capital Economics expects export growth to slow across Asia for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026-27, but believes it is unlikely to significantly drag down GDP growth for most countries in the region.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.