Taiwan's exports grew at their fastest pace in more than three decades in January, surging 76 percent from a year earlier on strong demand from China. Taiwan's Finance Ministry said Monday that January's exports totaled $21.75 billion, rising for the third consecutive month and reaching their highest dollar value in 16 months. It said the 76 percent increase, the largest in 32 years, reflected the change from the dismal economic conditions that prevailed in early 2009 _ both the Chinese New Year holiday, when businesses shut down, and the global financial crisis. Exports are a key driver of Taiwan's economic growth. The ministry said Taiwan's exports to China reached $9.54 billion last month, aided by a surge in Chinese demand for electronics. It said the island's exports to the U.S. also rose _ by 13.7 percent year-on-year to $2.22 billion. The Finance Ministry did not specifically link the jump in exports to the mainland to Beijing's far-reaching economic stimulus program. However, the program has helped create increased demand for Taiwanese high-tech components used by Chinese factories.
