Exports 8.4 yy vs 9.0 forecast in Reuters poll
Exports to China 2.1 yy prior month 1.7
Exports to U.S. 20.5 yy prior month 27.3
Sees stable growth in Q4 exports ministry

TAIPEI, Nov 8 Reuters Taiwan39;s exports rose less than expected in October, as benefits from the booming artificial intelligence AI industry were countered by the sluggish economy of top trading partner China.

Exports rose 8.4 on the year to 41.3 billion, the finance ministry said on Friday, missing a forecast for expansion of 9 in a Reuters poll, but above September39;s gain of 4.5, and still marking the 12th straight monthly rise.

The ministry said it saw a strong fourth quarter as larger economies cut interest rates, AI application demand was good and the peak endofyear shopping season was approaching in U.S. and European markets.

It predicted November exports could rise between 5.0 and 9.0 on the year.

Taiwan firms such as TSMC, the world39;s largest contract chipmaker, are major suppliers to Apple, Nvidia and other tech giants.

In October, exports to the United States jumped 20.5 to 8.65 billion, though off September39;s rise of 27.3.

Exports to Taiwan39;s largest trading partner, China, edged down 2.1, worsening from the previous month39;s gain of 1.7.

Total exports of electronic components jumped 6.1 in Octobr on the year to 16.60 billion, with semiconductor exports up 6.1.

Imports rose 6.5 to 34.43 billion in October, trailing economists39; forecasts for a gain of 9.0.

Reporting by…