Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s total business sales fell to NT$5.88 trillion in 2025, down 2.81% from the previous year, mainly due to a downturn in the steel and metal industries. The decline was driven by weaker global demand, falling steel prices, and the impact of US Section 232 tariffs, which reduced export competitiveness.

As a major industrial hub, Kaohsiung relies heavily on basic metals, making the sector’s slowdown a key factor behind the overall drop. In addition, oversupply from China further pressured steel prices. Despite this, the city continues to push industrial transformation, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional steel manufacturing and strengthen its position within Taiwan’s shifting economic landscape.