Taipei, June 7 (CNA) Taiwan's exports rose for an eighth consecutive month in May because of solid demand for electronic components such as semiconductors and flat panels, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said Wednesday.
Strong demand for machinery also contributed to export growth during the month, the MOF said.
Taiwan's exports grew 8.4 percent in May from a year earlier to US$25.52 billion, according to MOF figures, but the growth rate was slightly lower than the 9.4 percent year-on-year increase seen in April.
The lower growth rate was attributed to a higher base of comparison in May and the reduced number of work days because the Dragon Boat Festival holiday fell in May this year as opposed to June last year, the MOF said.
The ministry said imports in May rose 10.2 percent from a year earlier to US$22.07 billion, leaving a trade surplus of US$3.46 billion for the month, down US$60 million from a year earlier.
