Ministry of Economic Affairs data shows Taiwan's export orders totaled nearly
US$64 billion in February, up 24 percent on year, beating expectations amid
surging demand for electronic and information and communications technology
products.

A stats department official at the ministry said stronger-than-expected
demand for semiconductors, memory chips and servers was the main driver of
growth in orders.

The MOEA had projected February export orders of between US$56 billion and
US$58 billion.

ICT products accounted for nearly US$48 billion of export orders in January
and February combined, a record that's up 77 percent on year.

Exports of electronic products totaled nearly US$59 billion in the period,
also a record, up 51 percent.

Among traditional industries, machinery orders increased 21 percent in the
first two months and basic metals rose 0.7 percent.

The ministry said orders for chemicals and plastics remained weak due to
sluggish market conditions, falling 7.0 percent and 4.4 percent on year,
respectively.

CNA_JvW