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These are in-depth pre- and post-show reports on major international trade fairs, held in Taiwan and other countries with significant participation by Taiwanese manufacturers and exporters. They are offered to help global buyers and other readers better understand what is going on at the fairs and the latest offerings by Taiwanese exhibitors.


Photo credit: UDN file photo

China Steel: Optimistic for 2022, growth to continue for two years

Nov 24, 2021

China Steel Chairman Weng Chao-dong said today that the bullish trend in the steel market would continue unimpeded and cited an optimistic outlook for next year. Due to other factors such as added costs from environmental issues, steel production, and shipping delays, the forwarded costs are expected to continue for another two years. The national steel maker's earning call was held on Wednesd...


A photo depicting the production setup of a fastener supplier. Photo credit: MOEA DoIT

Taiwan's fasteners seek to optimize production with new tech

Oct 18, 2021

Taiwan is among the top exporters of fasteners, ranging from screws, nuts, and bolts, thanks to over 70 years of industry experience. The island's industry hub is concentrated in Kaohsiung's Gangshan and Luzhu Districts, where fastener makers are a common fixture in the community. According to Metal Industries Research & Development Centre's (MIRDC) statistics, Taiwan's export volume is only ...


Photo courtesy of UDN.

Construction cost index increase at all-time-high

Sep 11, 2021

Construction demand is at an all-time high, even amid rising prices and shortages of materials. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics under the Executive Yuan released its latest statistics on Friday, indicating that the August Construction Cost Index (CCI) increased 13.57%. This is largely due to international scrap metal prices increasing, with steel rising around 50...


Photo credit: UDN File Photo

Vietnam steel market setback only short-term: China Steel

Sep 02, 2021

The steel markets in Vietnam and Malaysia have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 surge in Southeast Asia. China Steel experts say while demand exists, it remains overshadowed by the pandemic. A strong rebound is expected once the outbreak lets up, they say. Lockdown restrictions on Ho Chi Minh City and nationwide have led to closures and challenges in importing materials and exporting pro...


Taiwanese fastener giant's rosy outlook ahead signals positives for the industry</h2>

Taiwanese fastener giant's rosy outlook ahead signals positives for the industry

Aug 27, 2021

The stable uptick in demand and sales in the fastener industry are positive indicators for the upcoming months and beyond. For instance, big-name fastener suppliers report great businesses due to fastener-intensive sectors in other countries fueling the demand. In recent news, Taiwanese fastener maker Chun Yu Works reported an optimistic future, presenting order visibility up to the first quar...


State-owned steel maker encourages tariff talks amid resumed TIFA</h2>

State-owned steel maker encourages tariff talks amid resumed TIFA

Jul 01, 2021

The resumed Taiwan-US TIFA talks have been invigorating domestic industries. Under this backdrop, Wong Chao-tung, chairman of the Taiwan Iron and Steel Association and China Steel Corporation (CSC), said with the steel industry as a part of the restructuring of the global supply chain, and with the U.S. promoting green energy infrastructure, Wong sees potential cooperation. Among the products ...


Strong growth buoys Taiwan hand tool industry in Q1</h2>

Strong growth buoys Taiwan hand tool industry in Q1

May 04, 2021

Taiwan's hand tools industry reported strong performances in 2021 Q1, with export value reaching USD$1.114 billion, marking a 26.87% growth. Exports to the U.S. ranked the highest in terms of the destination country, around 38.21%, putting confidence in the region. The Biden administration is continuing the China policy from the Trump era, which has been viewed to be generally favorable for Ta...


Hardware, hand tools industries accelerate modernized factories</h2>

Hardware, hand tools industries accelerate modernized factories

Apr 27, 2021

Many traditional manufacturing sectors are experiencing the squeeze as the global industry accelerates towards a smarter, digitalized production process. This includes the hand tools and plumbing sectors, both as traditional as industries can be. In Taiwan, companies in these industries tend to be small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), maintaining a smaller budget than their bigger counterpar...


Hand Tools and Related Industries Tentatively Optimistic Heading into 2021</h2>

Hand Tools and Related Industries Tentatively Optimistic Heading into 2021

Feb 01, 2021

▓Stephanie Chao With the industry undergoing development for over half a century, Taiwan's hand tools industry has grown into the world's second-largest export country, and one of Taiwan's most critical outbound-oriented industries by housing the entire production chain, from upstream to downstream and handling operations ranging from molding, heat treatment, forging, electroplating, and assem...


Emerging Trends and Technologies in the Hand Tools Industry to Watch Out For</h2>

Emerging Trends and Technologies in the Hand Tools Industry to Watch Out For

Feb 01, 2021

▓ Stephanie Chao The COVID-19 pandemic that upended the global economy, production chains and society has brought forth or accelerated irreversible change. Among the latest trends, digital transformation and new related technologies in automation and AI are the hottest topics and in the most urgent demand among companies in the hand tools and hardware industries. How would a traditional sector...