From our Business Alliance, Cologne‑based polymer manufacturer igus has launched a new compact slewing ring bearing designed for precise rotary movements in tight spaces. And as always, we have selected some of the most relevant stories from Taiwan’s economy — from historically low unemployment to new talent‑attraction measures in the automotive sector and strong cross‑industry momentum driven by next‑generation technologies.

All the best for the upcoming week,

• A presentation of the latest Business Confidence Survey, highlighting key political and economic developments, challenges, and expectations shaping German companies’ operations in Taiwan.
• A forward-looking economic outlook on Taiwan’s growth and prospects in the year ahead.
• Industry-focused insights from representatives of leading German companies in Taiwan.
• A relaxed and vibrant Get-together session.

• Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
• Venue: 1F, Noble House, Regent Taipei
• Address: No. 3, Ln. 39, Sec. 2 ZhongShan N. Rd., Taipei 104, Taiwan
• Event Time: 14:30 – 17:30 (Registration Time: 14:00 – 14:30)
• Price: 1,700 NT$*
• Agenda: Coming soon

Join us for the fifth edition of the joint online event series “Reise um die Welt”, co-hosted by AHK Hungary and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Germany (VdU).

This session will spotlight Korea and Taiwan, offering first-hand insights into local business environments, current economic developments, as well as key challenges and opportunities — including an in-depth overview of the Taiwan market by Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Cheif Representative and Executive Director of the German Trade Office Taipei.

• February 5, 2026 | 11:00 (CET)
• Online event via Microsoft Teams

The event will be held in German, without interpretation.

Last week we were honored to host a high-level business delegation from Saxony—four days packed with ideas, exchanges, and new opportunities for Saxony–Taiwan cooperation.

Together with the German Institute Taipei and the Saxony Science Liaison Office (SSLO), we put together a program all about business matchmaking, innovation, and building long-term partnerships.

• Monday – Kickoff briefing at our office with GTAI’s Jürgen Maurer and SSLO’s Josef Goldberger. Big topic of the day: How do we spark more investment from Taiwanese SMEs in Saxony and boost bilateral business ties?
• Tuesday – Visit to CIECA (Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association) to prepare for the Joint Business Council on April 23 in Berlin—matchmaking opportunities included!
• Wednesday – Deep-dive exchange with TEEMA (Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association on global strategies for Science & Technology Parks.
• Friday – Spotlight on Silicon Saxony Day with insights from Lukas Rohleder (IHK Dresden). Fun fact: Taiwan is this year’s partner country!

The delegation drew together a great set of participants—from politics, academia, industry, and finance—and fostered a space for inspiring conversations and forward-looking ideas. We’re excited to keep building bridges between Saxony and Taiwan!

The seminar “Updates on Invest in Saxony - From Wafer to Power Infrastructure,” jointly organized by the German Trade Office Taipei and IHK Dresden, was successfully held last Friday.

The event gathered more than 20 representatives from industry, government, and academia, focusing on Saxony’s industrial development, semiconductor ecosystem, and energy sector trends.

The program began with a presentation by Mr. Lukas Rohleder, Managing Director of IHK Dresden, who highlighted Saxony’s strong investment environment. He noted that the region is home to 3,650 microelectronics and ICT-related companies, hosts seven wafer fabrication and key process facilities, and benefits from 24/7 global logistics services via the Leipzig air cargo hub. This was followed by Ms. Gina Li, Associate Director of Siemens Energy, who shared practical insights on power equipment applications and supply strategies for new semiconductor projects.

Delegation Highlights

• Participate in Silicon Saxony Day, one of the most important and internationally influential high-tech and business networking events
• Gain in-depth insights into Dresden’s investment environment and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem
• Receive investment and policy consultation support
• Connect with Saxony’s semiconductor, data center and energy ecosystems and local enterprises
• Explore joint venture and cross-border cooperation opportunities

If you are interested in Saxony’s development and the semiconductor industry, check out our Saxony Semiconductor Industry Delegation taking place in June 2026. It will feature two main tracks: Power Infrastructure and SEMI-Ecosystems. Notably, 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Silicon Saxony Day, with Taiwan serving as the Partner Region, symbolizing a new milestone in Taiwan–Germany cooperation. The delegation offers firsthand insights into Saxony’s investment landscape, direct access to its semiconductor ecosystem, opportunities for joint ventures, and tailored investment consultations for Taiwanese companies. Find out more on our website.

• Navigating increasingly complex export control regulations
• Streamlining certification processes and strengthening standardization for electrical products

Strategic priorities for the coming year:

• Strengthening Phoenix Contact’s employer brand through impactful CSR initiatives
• Increasing visibility at major trade fairs to expand market presence

As a global leader in electrical engineering and automation, Phoenix Contact plays a central role in supporting Taiwan’s digital transformation and sustainable industrial development through solutions in industrial connectivity, energy systems, and smart manufacturing.

We look forward to maintaining close contact and continuing to foster German‑Taiwanese cooperation in industrial technology.

Taiwan successfully emerged from recent trade talks with the U.S.: punitive tariffs on Taiwanese products will be reduced from 20 to 15 percent, likely boosting Taiwan’s foreign trade in 2026 and beyond. This will strengthen Taiwan’s competitive position, especially in high-tech industries. The US will not impose tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors or similar electronics. In return, Taiwan has agreed to invest approximately 500 billion US$ to reinforce U.S. supply chains, including $250 billion direct investment for new production facilities.

Although there is still uncertainty regarding Taiwan's parliamentary approval and the shifting nature of U.S. trade policy, this agreement will provide Taiwanese companies with greater long-term planning stability. German firms will also indirectly benefit as suppliers of machinery, intermediate goods, and materials to Taiwanese producers that supply the U.S. market. Demand for German machinery, now Taiwan’s largest import category, continues to grow, driven by equipment for high-tech manufacturing.

Although Taiwan's imports from the U.S. increased slightly in 2025, exports surged by 78 percent to nearly 200 billion US$, accounting for approximately 31 percent of Taiwan's total exports - almost twice its share of exports to mainland China. Despite the large surplus, Washington will not raise reciprocal tariffs because it depends on Taiwanese semiconductors and servers to fuel its AI development.

Overall, export orders increased significantly in 2025, confirming robust global demand. Export momentum is expected to continue, albeit at slightly lower growth rates, sustaining high import demand. ICT and optoelectronics exports, including servers, surged by nearly 90 percent year over year. These categories, combined with semiconductors and electronic components, accounted for 74 percent of Taiwan’s exports, totaling 474 billion US$.

Read the full article (in German) by Dr. Jürgen Maurer, Director / Correspondent Taiwan at GTAI, here.

igus has expanded its slewing ring bearing portfolio with a new compact version of the PRT‑04 series, designed to support precise rotary movements under medium loads while significantly reducing installation space. The bearing uses lubrication‑free, wear‑resistant high‑performance plastics in its sliding elements, making it maintenance‑free, corrosion‑resistant, and low‑noise, and well suited for modern machine concepts with limited space availability.

The compact design addresses increasing demand for smaller and lighter components in mechanical engineering applications such as packaging machines, assembly tables, and operating consoles. Compared with the previous PRT‑01 series, the new PRT‑04 Compact is around 50% flatter, up to 60% lighter, and approximately 20% more cost‑effective, while also simplifying installation. Its reduced outer‑ring design creates additional internal space, allowing cables and drive elements to be integrated directly into the system.

The bearing is available with a range of iglidur sliding materials to meet different requirements, including FDA‑compliant, PTFE‑free, and ESD‑dissipative variants. The compact version is offered across all PRT‑04 sizes, and users can configure bearings online, supported by igus’s in‑house testing and a four‑year guarantee based on service‑life calculations. With this development, igus continues to enhance modular, space‑efficient solutions for demanding rotary applications.

Read the full press release on our website.

Economic disputes and legal risks can place a significant burden on businesses, especially in international trade. The 79 Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs), together with the international network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), offer fast and efficient solutions for conflicts between companies at 150 locations in 93 countries worldwide.

The Court of Arbitration (SGH) at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) combines the IHKs' many years of experience in the field of alternative dispute resolution with innovative digital applications. It offers solutions from the business community, for the business community: fast, cost-effective, and high-quality. The IHKs and AHKs' offer a range of other tailor-made dispute resolution procedures for you to benefit from.

Find out more on our website.

In light of the European Union’s comprehensive sanctions against Russia, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has introduced a newsletter on sanctions enforcement. It is published at irregular intervals and is aimed at interested associations, companies, as well as public and other institutions.

The newsletter’s primary goal is to provide businesses with a concise, practical overview of the current status of sanctions legislation, implementation, and enforcement—both in Germany and at the EU level, as well as among G7 partners. The political and legal framework for sanctions is becoming increasingly complex. At the same time, the risk for companies of unintentionally becoming involved in sanction-violating circumvention activities or unauthorized procurement attempts is growing. In parallel, the requirements for robust sanctions and trade compliance are increasing, including for subsidiaries and branches located abroad. This poses significant challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, which often lack extensive compliance structures.

Registration is possible via email at sanktionsoutreach@bmwe.bund.de.

Amphenol LTW, part of the global Amphenol Group, provides rugged interconnect solutions for industries like Factory Automation, Heavy Equipment, Renewable Energy, and AI Datacenters.

Currently seeking talented engineers to join a 3–12 month training program in Taiwan and/or China, gaining hands-on experience on the factory floor and expanding their technical expertise. Participants will provide technical support, design-in assistance, troubleshooting, and presentations for European customers, translating their requirements into engineering solutions and supporting the adoption of new products.

The role also offers the flexibility to work remotely from Europe, combined with frequent travel (50–60%) to customer sites.

Requirements:

• Native German speaker living in Taiwan
• EU citizenship
• Master’s degree in Engineering
• At least 2 years of technical experience
• Fluent English and native level German
• Willingness to relocate to Taiwan and/or China for the training program
• Experience in automation, heavy machinery, renewable energy, or interconnect solutions is a plus

• Receiving and preliminary review of visa applications at the counter
• Preliminary review of applications in the international visa portal
• Data entry on a computer Providing information via email and telephone
• Sending out issued passports
• Managing files

Taiwan’s Unemployment Rate Hits 25-Year Low

Taiwan’s unemployment rate averaged 3.35% in 2025, the lowest in 25 years, while the labor force participation rate rose to 59.43%, a 36‑year high. According to the DGBAS, steady economic conditions and year‑end consumption helped support December hiring, with January’s pre–Lunar New Year period expected to add further short‑term jobs.

Government initiatives aimed at older workers and women have also strengthened labor participation. Regarding the effects of the recent U.S. trade deal, officials noted that labor indicators typically lag policy changes, and global economic conditions will continue to influence Taiwan’s job market in the months ahead.

(Last access: 26.01.2026 / Taiwan News)

Taiwan’s Automakers Boost Pay and Benefits to Attract Talent

Taiwan’s auto industry is intensifying its hiring push by raising entry‑level wages and expanding family‑friendly benefits as the sector shifts toward EVs and new technologies. For example, Hotai Motor and Yulon Group have recently upgraded compensation packages to well above the minimum wage.

Automakers are also rolling out childcare and flexible leave options to better support dual‑income households. Analysts say falling birth rates and cross‑sector competition are pushing carmakers to enhance pay and workplace benefits to retain younger workers.

(Last access: 26.01.2026 / Taiwan News)

Pegatron Targets Triple‑Digit Growth in AI Server Revenue

Pegatron expects its AI server revenue to grow by triple digits this year, building on strong demand for AI applications and last year’s rapid expansion. The company is broadening its portfolio beyond GPU‑based servers to include inference systems and ASIC‑powered designs, with new customer contributions anticipated in the second half of the year.

The firm is also strengthening system‑integration capabilities for major cloud providers and enterprise clients, supported by new production facilities in Mexico, Texas, and Taoyuan. Alongside AI servers, Pegatron aims to maintain double‑digit growth in its EV business by shifting more manufacturing to North America to avoid tariffs.

(Last access: 26.01.2026 / Taipei Times)

Chemleader Strengthens Position in CoWoS Supply Chain with Intensive R&D

Taiwanese materials supplier Chemleader is gaining ground in the advanced‑packaging value chain through heavy investment and rapid, round‑the‑clock R&D as demand for CoWoS solutions grows. The company has built a new facility in Kaohsiung Science Park to stay close to customers, with its specialized chemicals already adopted in packaging processes at TSMC and ASE.

Chemleader is also expanding into more advanced product lines traditionally dominated by foreign suppliers. Analysts say its fast response times, upgraded cleanroom labs, and ultra‑high impurity controls are helping the company carve out a stronger role in Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem.

(Last access: 26.01.2026 / CommonWealth Magazine)