New iPhone launch to buoy Taiwan exports

A jump in orders for semiconductors ahead of the release of Apple’s newest iPhones helped Taiwan post the first gain in exports in a year and a half. The jump may boost growth in the trade-dependent economy.

Exports in July rose 1.2% from a year earlier, the finance ministry said, with electronic goods sent overseas up 5.7%.

A low base last July helped the overall increase. Exports account for two thirds of Taiwan’s GDP, and a recovery in shipments would substantially raise economic growth.