AI Capacity Expansion Drives Export Orders to Record High
As the global AI wave continues, demand for semiconductors, electronic equipment and automation is growing in tandem, bringing a rebound in orders for Taiwan's traditional manufacturing sector. According to Ministry of Economic Affairs statistics, export orders in August 2026 exceeded 100 billion US dollars in a single month for the first time, up 71.4% year on year, with machinery orders up 28.3% year on year to a record high for the month, showing that AI and semiconductor capacity expansion demand is gradually driving a recovery in the traditional industrial supply chain.
Traditional Manufacturing Posts 86000 Openings With Salaries Up About 9%
Data from the 1111 Job Bank database shows job openings in traditional manufacturing reached 86362 in 2026, compared with 81844 in 2025, up 5.5% year on year. Average salary rose from 31508 to 34356, an increase of 2848, or about 9%, outpacing the growth in openings. By subsector, openings related to automatic control grew the fastest, followed by special-purpose production machinery manufacturing and repair, and other metal-related manufacturing.
Zhuang Yujie, spokesperson for 1111 Job Bank, said the AI effect is spilling over into traditional manufacturing through automation upgrades, component procurement and supply-chain expansion. Machinery and basic metals stood out in particular, showing that semiconductor capacity expansion, the AI server supply chain and equipment automation demand have become important forces supporting traditional manufacturing orders.
60% of Rail Vehicle Jobs Pay Over 50000 per Month, Ranking First
Further analysis of traditional manufacturing by 1111 Job Bank shows the top 3 industry subcategories by share of jobs with monthly salaries above 50000 were rail vehicles and related parts manufacturing at 60.40%, followed by all transportation equipment manufacturing at 33.32% and furniture / home decor / furnishing surface coating and processing at 28.69%. The job bank attributed this to rail vehicles involving electromechanical integration, electronic control systems and components manufacturing, where professional qualifications and practical experience are both valued, with employers generally willing to offer high salaries to recruit engineers, electromechanical technicians and quality-control personnel, while career paths can span rail, electrical, mechanical and automation fields, which is expected to further lift salary levels.
Environment, Training and Career Planning Key to Retention
Zhuang Yujie noted that the key for traditional manufacturers to retain talent should extend from salary adjustments to improved working environments, skills training and career development planning. Work bonuses, shift allowances, overtime systems, leave arrangements and safety protections are already standard in job postings. Facing the retirement of skilled technicians and insufficient interest from young people, Zhuang Yujie suggested companies can cultivate hands-on talent through mentorship programs, industry-academia cooperation and internal employee training, which will help reduce the impact of generational gaps and skills loss on production lines.
Overall, job openings and average salaries in traditional manufacturing are growing together, reflecting a rebound in orders. Whether companies can turn order growth into stable business momentum in the future will depend not only on market demand, but also on whether talent recruitment, skills development and retention systems are well established.