Taipei, Taiwan — A new survey reveals that around one-third of employers in Taiwan plan to hire more workers in the first quarter of 2025, while others expect to maintain or reduce their workforce. The data, compiled by human resources advisory firm ManpowerGroup, shows varying expectations for hiring across different industries.
Hiring Intentions for Early 2025
The survey, which polled 645 employers across Taiwan, found that 33 percent of respondents intend to hire additional staff in the first quarter of next year. In contrast, 17 percent forecast a decline in hiring, while 48 percent indicated that their staffing levels would remain unchanged.
After seasonal adjustments, Taiwan’s net hiring outlook index for January to March 2025 stood at 17 percent. This figure represents a slight increase from the previous quarter’s index of 16 percent but is down from 19 percent during the same period in 2024.
Sector-Specific Hiring Trends
Certain industries in Taiwan are expected to see stronger demand for workers, with the transportation, logistics, and automotive sectors leading the charge. The ManpowerGroup survey identified a significant shortage of drivers in these industries, particularly in the post-pandemic era. As Taiwan’s passenger and cargo volumes continue to rise, the demand for drivers and other transport-related roles is expected to increase sharply.
Transportation/Logistics/Automotive Sector
The transportation/logistics/automotive sector recorded the highest net employment outlook for Q1 2025, with an index of 48 percent. This marks a substantial increase from the previous quarter’s index of 22 percent. Taiwan’s expanding transport infrastructure, including the upcoming third terminal at Taoyuan International Airport, is likely to further fuel hiring in this sector.
Financial/Insurance/Real Estate Sector
The financial, insurance, and real estate industries also showed positive hiring expectations. The sector’s net employment outlook index stands at 31 percent for Q1 2025, slightly down from the 32 percent recorded in the previous quarter. The demand for talent in financial technology (FinTech) and asset management roles remains strong, thanks to Taiwan’s efforts to position itself as a leading financial hub in Asia.
Energy and Utilities Sector Struggles
On the other hand, the energy and utilities sector faces a challenging hiring outlook, with a sharp decline in its net employment index to -48 percent for Q1 2025. This represents a significant drop from the previous quarter’s index of 30 percent. ManpowerGroup attributes this decline to factors such as higher tariffs on electric vehicles in the U.S. and a decrease in crude oil prices, which have dampened investments in renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Taiwan’s Hiring Outlook in Regional Context
Among the seven Asia-Pacific economies surveyed by ManpowerGroup, Taiwan ranked fourth in terms of hiring outlook for Q1 2025, trailing India (40 percent), China (29 percent), and Singapore (25 percent). Taiwan’s outlook is notably higher than Hong Kong’s, which has the lowest hiring expectation in the region at just 6 percent.
Globally, the survey found that 41 out of 42 economies anticipate an increase in hiring for Q1 2025, with only one economy planning to reduce hiring.
Table: Key Hiring Sectors and Outlook for Q1 2025
| Industry | Net Employment Outlook Index | Trend vs Previous Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation/Logistics/Auto | 48% | +26% increase |
| Financial/Insurance/Real Estate | 31% | -1% decrease |
| Energy & Utilities | -48% | -78% decrease |
| Overall Net Hiring Outlook | 17% | +1% increase |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the net employment outlook index?
A: The net employment outlook index reflects the percentage of employers who plan to hire more workers minus those who anticipate a decline in staffing levels. A positive figure indicates growth in hiring.
Q: Which sector in Taiwan has the strongest hiring outlook for Q1 2025?
A: The transportation, logistics, and automotive sectors have the strongest hiring outlook, with a net employment outlook index of 48 percent, driven by the demand for drivers and increased transport volumes.
Q: Why is the energy and utilities sector facing a negative hiring outlook?
A: The energy and utilities sector is facing a decline in hiring due to several factors, including increased tariffs on electric vehicles in the U.S., falling crude oil prices, and uncertainty over Taiwan’s nuclear energy policies.
Q: How does Taiwan’s hiring outlook compare with other countries?
A: Taiwan ranks fourth in the Asia-Pacific region, with India, China, and Singapore ahead in terms of hiring expectations. Globally, most economies expect an increase in hiring, with only one expecting a reduction.
Q: Which regions in Taiwan are seeing the most hiring activity?
A: While hiring trends vary by industry, Taiwan’s transportation and financial sectors are seeing the most significant growth, particularly in major cities and transport hubs like Taoyuan and Taipei.
