TMBA Highlights 2024 Machine Tool Industry Trends and Announces TMTS 2026

The Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA) recently hosted the “TMBA Press Conference: Machine Tool Industry Trends,” where Chairman Patrick P. Chen provided insights into the 2024 economic landscape. Chen described the year as "the bottom of the valley," urging the industry to adopt a "prudent and optimistic" approach. While key components show promise, exports require caution. Despite challenges, TMBA forecasts a potential 5-10% growth in export output this year.

Chen emphasized that global economic shifts, including the second term of Donald Trump, present significant challenges. Taiwan's substantial trade surplus with the U.S. may attract heightened scrutiny under tariff policies, necessitating careful navigation by both the government and the industry. Taiwan's machine tool output reached $2.7 billion USD last year—substantially lower than its $6.2 billion peak in 2014. However, the components sector has demonstrated resilience, benefiting from strong competitiveness in niche and application-specific markets.

Looking ahead, Chen outlined three strategic priorities for 2024: accelerating the integration of digital intelligence in machinery, expanding into overseas markets, and developing key industries. TMBA, in collaboration with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), will target markets in India, Mexico, and Southeast Asia while pursuing opportunities in critical sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, aerospace, electric vehicles, and humanoid robotics.

TMBA also announced the 9th Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS 2026), scheduled for March 3-7, 2026, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Under the theme “AI-Powered Sustainable Manufacturing,” the event will showcase Taiwan’s achievements in digital transformation and sustainable development, highlighting the nation's commitment to advancing the global machine tool industry.