Jan.-May International Trade at Taiwan's 6 FTZs Surges 55% YoY

Taipei, June 28, 2012 (CENS)--Seemingly immune to Taiwan's sluggish export, international trade at the six free trade zones on the island, including Keelung Port FTZ, Taipei Port FTZ, Suao Port FTZ, Taichung Port FTZ, Kaohsiung Port FTZ and Taoyuan Air Cargo Park FTZ, in the first five months surged 55% in value YoY, according to a report issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC).

Such surging international trade value contrasts sharply to the negative growth of Taiwan's export revenue, which amounted to US$122.47 billion in the first five months, down 5% YoY, making Taiwan the only developed economy struggling with declining exports among other Asian nations.

MOTC Minister C.K. Mao indicated that the banner growth in international trade shows the government's efforts to transform traditional ports into free trade zones with higher economic efficiency and added-value have paid off, which will also help to accelerate industrial upgrading in Taiwan in the future.

Citing Tonglit Logistics Co., Ltd., located in the Taipei Port FTZ and engaged in auto parts logistics, Mao said this company effectively takes advantage of duty exemption in the FTZ to enhance business efficiency by re-exporting imported sheet metals and engines after custom-processing locally for higher added-value, which involves subcontractors near the FTZ to motivate forming of a supply-chain.

Operating Performance by Taiwan's Six FTZs (Jan.-May 2012)
Free Trade Zone	Cargo Handled		International Trade
	Volume (metric tons)	Year-on-year Growth Rate	Value	Year-on-year Growth Rate
Keelung Port FTZ	19,000	137.50%	NT$2.592 B.	31.84%
Taipei Port FTZ	201,300	-30.03%	NT$24.652 B.	12.63%
Suao Port FTZ	4	--	NT$2 M.	--
Taichung Port FTZ	3.163 million	227.20%	NT$97.224 B.	229.99%
Kaohsiung Port FTZ	248,700	45.95%	NT$13.232 Bn.	54.15%
Taoyuan Air Cargo Park FTZ	7,100	-20.22%	NT$38.866 Bn.	-25.82%

Source: Ministry of Transport and Communications