The Ministry of Economic Affairs says the island's food and beverage industry had its worst sales month in April since November of 2014, as more consumers opted to stay at home and eat due to concerns about the coronavirus.

Taiwan's industrial production index increased 3.51% in April 2020 compared with the same month in 2019. According to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), an annual comparison by main industrial division showed that manufacturing increased 4.15%, mining & quarrying increased 21.89%, electricity & gas supply decreased 5.35% and water supply decreased 0.19%.

Taiwan's export orders in April 2020 increased 2.3% to US$38.53 billion from the same month in 2019, according to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, although, when measured in New Taiwan dollars, given the local currency's appreciation, the report said export orders were approximately NT$1,159.2 billion, which was down 0.3% year-on-year.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated for a second four-year presidential term today together with Vice President Lai Ching-de. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 92 foreign dignitaries from 41 countries congratulated President Tsai Ing-wen on her inauguration via pre-recorded video messages.

The Central Epidemic Command Center says Taiwan is in talks with Stanford University to create a protocol for travellers that will help shorten the amount of time they have to stay in quarantine when they go abroad.

Germany and France have jointly proposed a €500 billion recovery fund to be distributed to EU countries worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan-based contract semiconductor manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Company (TSMC) has declined to say whether it has stopped accepting purchase orders from Huawei.

Premier Su Tseng-chang led the cabinet to resign en masse earlier today ahead of President Tsai Ing-wen's 20 May inauguration.

The Ministry of Education is ready to allocate NT$100 million this year for developing international education at the elementary, junior high and high school level.