Taiwan eyes 50-60% growth in drone component exports to Japan

Taiwan is actively participating in the Japan Drone 2026 exhibition, aiming to strengthen its position in the global drone market. A "Taiwan Pavilion," featuring 28 Taiwanese companies, has been established with support from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, organized by the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunity Alliance (TEDIBOA) and the Taiwan Drone Association. Representative to Japan, Lee Yi-liang, emphasized the growing international focus on "non-Red supply chains" and proposed that Taiwan and Japan could jointly build a drone industry that is secure, reliable, and internationally competitive. Lee noted that Taiwan's drone industry, encompassing both complete aircraft manufacturing and component technology, has achieved world-class standards and is highly regarded by Japan. He highlighted the significant potential for development in the Japanese market, where the domestic production rate for drones is currently low, with 91% of the 360,000 drones in use being Chinese-made. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has identified "small drones" as a priority area for development within the nation's growth strategies. Taiwan's primary export to Japan in the drone sector consists of components. Last year, these exports amounted to $38.46 million USD, and in the first quarter of this year, they reached $15.26 million USD. If this momentum continues, exports are expected to grow by 50% to 60% this year. Taiwan seeks to deepen collaboration with Japan across various sectors, including key components, core modules, joint research and development, cybersecurity testing, and field applications. Representative Lee reiterated that the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan will work closely with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to assist Taiwanese firms in expanding their presence in the Japanese drone market.

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Non-Red supply chain has become a focus of international industrial layout.