TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market closed significantly higher on Thursday, boosted by gains in heavyweight semiconductor shares after US President Donald Trump proposed a 100% tariff on foreign-made semiconductors.
The tariff plan, which could exempt companies establishing US-based manufacturing facilities, lifted investor sentiment for firms expanding operations in the US. TSMC, a key supplier to US companies such as Nvidia and Apple, is seen as a major beneficiary due to its ongoing US expansion, Reuters reported.
The Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index, or TAIEX, rose 556.41 points to finish at 24,003.77, its highest level this year. Turnover reached NT$453 billion (US$15 billion), up from NT$350 billion on Wednesday, according to CNA and CTEE.
TSMC was the largest contributor, adding about 490 points, nearly 90% of the day’s gain. The company closed up 4.89% at a record NT$1,180.
Foxconn rose 4.57% to NT$194.5, with trading volume nearly doubling to over 116 million shares, ranking third among all Taiwan-listed companies. MediaTek gained 2.65% to NT$1,355.
High-priced shares saw a rare rally, with 21 stocks above NT$1,000 advancing. Jentech Precision Industrial and Advanced Energy Solution each hit the daily limit, closing at NT$1,455 and NT$1,405, respectively.
Aspeed Technology, King Slide Works, eMemory Technology, ASMedia Technology, and Grand Process Technology each climbed more than 4%.
Apple’s announcement that its fourth-quarter revenue is expected to exceed analysts’ 3% growth forecasts also supported market gains. GlobalWafers, whose US subsidiary formed a supply chain partnership with Apple to expand semiconductor manufacturing capacity, hit the daily price limit of NT$375, with more than 11,000 buy orders unfilled at close.
Other silicon wafer makers followed suit, with Sino-American Silicon Products up 3.96% and Episil-Precision rising 2.79%.
Senior analyst Chien Po-yi (簡伯儀) said Trump’s remarks, coupled with tariff exemptions for companies with US plants, fueled TSMC’s rally and helped push the TAIEX to new highs amid heavy trading. He added that foreign institutional investors have been increasing their holdings in Taiwanese stocks.
Chien expects semiconductor makers and firms with solid second-quarter earnings to continue performing well. Companies launching new products or business drivers in the second half of the year could see further gains.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research and analysis before making investment decisions.
