Taiwan industrial output hits record in July

TAIPEI - Taiwan’s industrial production index gained 6.08% on-year to a record 112.26 points in July on the back of growth in manufacturing and utilities, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. “Output has risen six months in a row, showing the industrial sector is recovering at a steady pace,” MOEA Department of Statistics Deputy Director-General, Yang Kuei-hsien, said.

Among the five subindexes, manufacturing, which accounts for about 93% of the weighting, gained 6.77% on-year to a record 112.27, while electricity and gas supply increased 5.75%. Construction and mining and quarrying posted double digit declines.
“Robust demand for automobiles, light-emitting diodes, machinery, optical components, petrochemicals, semiconductors and steel helped lift manufacturing performance,” Yang said. "Industrial production is expected to remain healthy as the local manufacturing sector continues to expand in the third quarter in line with the recovering global economy and strong demand for mobile devices."
Total output from commerce stood at NT$1.24 trillion (US$41.42 billion) in July, up 2.8% from a year ago and also a record high. By sector, retail sales gained 5.5%, while food and beverage sales gained 3.1%. www.taiwantoday.tw (ATI).