TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's exports rose more than expected in April as customers stockpiled the island's high-tech products before any U.S. tariffs take effect, which could drive first-half exports to a new high.

Exports jumped 29.9% from the same month a year ago to $48.66 billion, the second-highest monthly figure on record, the Finance Ministry said on Thursday. That exceeded a forecast of 16% in a Reuters poll and eclipsing March's 18.6% rise, resulting in the 18th consecutive monthly gain.

Taiwan firms such as TSMC,, the world's largest contract chipmaker, are major suppliers to Apple, Nvidia and other tech companies.

April exports benefited from continued strong artificial intelligence demand as customers placed orders in advance in expectation of the U.S. tariff measures, the ministry said in a statement.

"Export value in the first half has a good chance of hitting a record," the ministry said, but added there could then be a slowdown in the second-half, flipping on its head the usual pattern of a stronger back end to the year as exporters gear up for the holiday season in Western markets like the United States.

The ministry also warned that U.S. tariff uncertainty and geopolitical risks could hinder the global economic outlook.

For May, the ministry expects exports to rise between 15% and 20% year-on-year.

In April, Taiwan's exports to the United States rose 29.5% year-on-year to $13.145 billion, versus a 39.9% surge in the prior month.

Exports to China, Taiwan's biggest trading partner, climbed 22.3%, after rising 12.6% in March.

Taiwan's total exports of electronic components climbed 26.8% in April on the year to $16.407 billion, with semiconductor exports up 28.2%.

Imports rose 33.0% to $41.46 billion, higher than economists' forecasts of a gain of 18.9%.