Boosted by demand for tech goods ahead of looming tariffs, Taiwan's manufacturing output surged 22.31% on year in April, reported the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on Friday.

In the industrial sub-category of manufacturing, Taiwan's output in April rose 23.68% on year, while mining and quarrying increased by 4.13%, but electricity and gas supply decreased by 2.40%, reported MOEA.

Taiwan's output of integrated circuits, aka computer chips, rose 44.3% on year in April, while production of computer, electronic and optical products rose 47.15% in the same period, reported the MOEA.

The prospects of US tariffs and strong demand for AI-related gear fueled demand in April, said a MOEA official.

"MOEA Statistics Department Deputy Director-General Huang Wei-chieh said postponed US tariffs triggered an inventory rush among clients, though some companies now see the buildup easing. Still, strong AI-related orders continue to fuel overall growth," reported the Taiwan News.

In contrast, output of chemicals and fertilizers fell 5.85% on year in April, reported officials.

In Taiwan, from January to April, industrial production rose 14.31% year over year, with manufacturing up 15.22%, according to MOEA.

Ministry officials projected Taiwan's manufacturing index will rise between 11% and 15.1% on year in May.

In early May, Taiwan officials unexpectedly raised their 2025 national economic outlook, citing a strong first quarter of manufacturing and exports.

Taiwan's Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics lifted its 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to 3.6% on year, up from the previous 3.1%, following surges in tech-gear exports ahead of potential US tariffs or other trade restrictions.

Taiwan's GDP expanded by a robust 5.37% on year in the first quarter, led by the tech sector, and exports from industrial powerhouses as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, billed as the world's largest source of semiconductors.