Business confidence between the UK and Taiwan has reached a record high, with companies on both sides increasingly eyeing collaboration in artificial intelligence and renewable energy,

according to the latest UK–Taiwan Business Survey.

Unveiled on 16 March by Ruth Bradley-Jones and Martin Kent, the 2025–2026 report marks a significant milestone. For the first time, it includes direct input from Taiwanese firms, offering a broader and more balanced view of bilateral economic ties.

Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty, trade between the UK and Taiwan continues to show resilience. Official data indicates that bilateral trade grew by 4% between late 2024 and the third quarter of 2025, underscoring steady momentum in economic cooperation.

For UK businesses, Taiwan remains a dependable market. Much of this stability is driven by the island’s thriving high-tech sector and continued investment in digital innovation. Around 80% of UK companies reported satisfaction with their operations in Taiwan—the highest level recorded in the past three years—while nearly two-thirds expect revenue growth in 2026.

Technology and energy sectors stand out as key areas for future collaboration. However, challenges remain. Political uncertainty within Taiwan is cited as the top concern for UK firms, affecting 61% of respondents. Currency fluctuations and international trade tensions, including US tariffs, were also highlighted but ranked lower.

Energy security is another pressing issue. Only 23% of UK companies expressed confidence that Taiwan’s current energy policies will meet business needs over the next five years, signaling a potential barrier to further investment.

Ruth Bradley-Jones, UK Representative Taipei, said: “Last year, we concluded the UK–Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) Pillars on Investment, Digital Trade and Energy and Net Zero, laying the foundation for deeper bilateral economic cooperation. This year, our core objective is to transform these frameworks into tangible action. To this end, we invited Taiwanese businesses to participate in the survey for the first time. By gaining a deeper understanding of the needs of businesses on both sides, we hope to more effectively facilitate UK-Taiwan trade and investment”.

Taiwanese companies, meanwhile, are increasingly optimistic about the UK as a trading partner. The survey ranks the UK second among nine major economies in terms of favourability, ahead of both the US and several EU countries. Respondents described the UK as fair, stable, and globally respected.

Interest in collaboration is particularly strong in emerging technologies. Around 31% of Taiwanese firms identified artificial intelligence and machine learning as priority areas, while 29% pointed to renewable energy. These sectors align closely with the strengths of both economies, suggesting significant untapped potential for future partnerships.

As both sides look ahead, the message from the survey is clear: despite global headwinds, UK–Taiwan business ties are not only holding firm—they are evolving toward deeper, more strategic cooperation. Photo by Areong, Wikimedia commons.