Introduction: Surge in Taiwanese Workers Heading to the U.S.
According to the latest data released by Taiwan’s Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics (DGBAS), 2023 witnessed a record number of Taiwanese nationals joining the workforce in the United States. The official report revealed that 128,000 Taiwanese workers were employed in the U.S. during the year, marking a significant increase. This rise has been primarily attributed to the presence of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in the U.S., which has expanded its operations and attracted a considerable number of Taiwanese workers.
The report also highlights a growing trend of Taiwanese nationals seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly in countries like Japan, Southeast Asia, and South Korea. Meanwhile, the number of Taiwanese workers in China continues to decline, reflecting shifting economic and geopolitical factors.
Key Insights from the DGBAS Report on Taiwanese Overseas Workforce
1. Significant Shift in Taiwanese Labor Migration Patterns
The DGBAS report reveals important shifts in Taiwanese labor migration patterns. In 2023, the United States became the top destination for Taiwanese nationals, with 128,000 people securing jobs there. This marks a noticeable jump compared to previous years. The driving force behind this surge is the TSMC factory in Arizona, which has created numerous job opportunities for skilled workers.
Furthermore, Taiwan nationals have also found ample employment opportunities in Japan and Southeast Asia in recent years. The new TSMC plant in Kumamoto, Japan, played a significant role in attracting Taiwanese workers to the country.
2. Declining Employment in China and Rising Interest in Other Markets
While the U.S. saw a notable rise in Taiwanese workers, the report also highlights a steady decline in the number of Taiwanese nationals working in China. In 2023, only about 217,000 Taiwanese workers were employed in mainland China, a significant decrease from 62.2% of the expatriate workforce in 2011, to just 35% in 2023. Factors contributing to this decline include increasing living costs, a weakened Chinese economy, and growing concerns over Beijing’s policies.
The report further emphasized that many Taiwanese nationals are now opting to work in alternative markets, including Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea, reflecting changes in global trade and economic relations.
3. The Trend of Taiwanese Workers Abroad Over the Past Decade
The number of Taiwanese nationals seeking employment opportunities overseas has steadily increased over the past decade. The DGBAS reported that the number of Taiwanese workers abroad climbed from approximately 662,000 in 2009 to about 739,000 in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and global trade tensions led to a dramatic decline in the number of Taiwanese workers abroad in 2020.
The number of Taiwanese workers heading overseas dropped to 319,000 in 2021 due to various factors, including the U.S.-China trade war, pandemic-related travel restrictions, and supply chain disruptions. As these barriers were lifted in 2022, the number of Taiwanese workers abroad surged to 621,000 in 2023, showing a strong rebound.
Table: Taiwanese Workers Abroad in 2023
| Destination Country | Number of Taiwanese Workers (2023) | Key Factors Driving Migration |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 128,000 | TSMC’s Arizona plant, growing tech sector |
| China | 217,000 | Economic slowdown, political concerns |
| Southeast Asia | 92,000 | Opportunities in various industries |
| Japan/South Korea | 68,000 | TSMC’s Kumamoto plant, other job openings |
4. Factors Behind the Shift in Employment Choices
Several factors have influenced the migration patterns of Taiwanese workers in recent years:
- Economic Shifts: The weakening economy in China and increasing living costs have made it less attractive for Taiwanese nationals to work there.
- TSMC’s Global Expansion: The rapid expansion of TSMC’s overseas facilities, especially in the U.S. and Japan, has created significant job opportunities for Taiwanese workers, particularly in the tech sector.
- Geopolitical and Trade Tensions: Ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, combined with global concerns over China’s policies, have made countries like the U.S., Japan, and Southeast Asia more appealing destinations for Taiwanese professionals.
- Post-COVID Recovery: As global travel restrictions eased in 2022 and 2023, Taiwanese workers were once again able to seek job opportunities abroad, contributing to the recent surge in migration.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why did the number of Taiwanese workers in the U.S. increase in 2023?
The increase can largely be attributed to TSMC’s Arizona factory, which created a high demand for skilled Taiwanese workers in the tech sector. Additionally, the U.S. continues to offer ample opportunities in various industries.
2. Why are fewer Taiwanese nationals working in China?
Taiwanese migration to China has decreased due to a weakened Chinese economy, rising living costs, and geopolitical concerns surrounding Beijing’s policies. Many Taiwanese nationals are now exploring other regions for job opportunities.
3. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Taiwanese workers abroad?
The pandemic caused a sharp decline in the number of Taiwanese workers abroad in 2020. However, as travel restrictions eased in 2022 and 2023, migration numbers rebounded, with 621,000 Taiwanese workers seeking jobs overseas in 2023.
4. What are the key countries that Taiwanese nationals are migrating to for work?
In 2023, the United States emerged as the top destination, with 128,000 workers. Other notable destinations include China, Southeast Asia, and Japan, driven by opportunities in the tech and manufacturing sectors.
5. How many Taiwanese workers are currently working in China?
In 2023, approximately 217,000 Taiwanese workers were employed in China, reflecting a significant decline from previous years.
Conclusion: Taiwanese Workers Seek New Opportunities in a Changing Global Landscape
The latest statistics from the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics (DGBAS) reflect a changing landscape for Taiwanese labor migration. While the United States has emerged as a key destination for Taiwanese professionals, driven largely by TSMC’s investments, the decline in Taiwanese workers in China signals a shift in global economic trends. With opportunities opening up in Japan and Southeast Asia, Taiwan nationals are increasingly exploring diverse work environments that offer stability and growth.
The upward trend in Taiwanese migration is expected to continue as global economic conditions evolve, with countries like the U.S. and Japan offering more attractive job prospects for skilled Taiwanese workers.
