Is English Proficiency a Must for Taiwan’s Logistics and Shipping Sector?

Taiwan is a global logistics hub. With its strategic location and massive export industry, it plays a key role in international trade.

But here’s a question for logistics professionals: Do you need to be fluent in English to succeed in this field?

The short answer? It depends on your role.

For some jobs, English is a must. Freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and international shipping coordination all require communication with global partners.

Trade agreements, contracts, and customs documentation are often written in English.

But for others? It’s not always necessary. Local warehouse management, domestic delivery services, and trucking don’t require advanced English skills.

Many logistics companies operate within Taiwan and primarily use Mandarin.

So where does that leave you? If you’re looking for roles with international exposure, English proficiency can give you a serious advantage. It opens doors to higher salaries, leadership roles, and better opportunities with global companies.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down.

1. International Shipping and Freight Forwarding

Taiwan is one of the world’s top exporting nations, known for its semiconductors, electronics, and machinery. The country exports over $400 billion worth of goods each year, with the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia being major trade partners.

Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics coordinators work with foreign suppliers, shipping carriers, and customs officials from the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia.

English is the common language for these international transactions. A simple miscommunication can result in delayed shipments, compliance issues, or even financial losses.

If you’re handling logistics for an export-heavy company, strong English skills aren’t optional—they’re required.

2. Customs and Compliance Regulations

Taiwan has strict import/export regulations. Whether it’s customs declarations, trade compliance, or import tax calculations, most of the official documentation is in English.

Global trade agreements, such as the WTO (World Trade Organization) guidelines or free trade agreements (FTAs), also rely on English as the standard language.

Compliance officers and customs specialists must read and interpret English legal documents to ensure smooth trade operations.

Even local companies that import goods from the U.S. or Europe need someone to translate compliance documents and ensure that shipments meet international trade laws.

Without English proficiency, handling global trade regulations becomes significantly harder.

3. Working for Multinational Logistics Companies

If you work for DHL, FedEx, Maersk, UPS, or any multinational shipping company, English proficiency is an expectation. These companies follow international protocols, and most of their internal training, emails, and software systems are in English.

Employees at these companies often communicate with overseas teams, international clients, and corporate management. If you’re handling logistics for a global brand, being fluent in English will help you:

• Navigate company policies and training manuals
• Understand logistics software and tracking systems
• Communicate with regional offices and foreign partners

Even if you’re working in Taiwan, your job might involve coordinating shipments between China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, where English is the common language for business transactions.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, foreign investment in Taiwan has surged by 24% in the past three years. As more multinational companies invest in the region, English will become even more critical in the logistics sector.

4. Supply Chain and Inventory Management

Logistics isn’t just about transportation—it’s also about supply chains. Companies that operate on a global scale source raw materials, manufacture products and distribute goods across multiple countries.

If you’re in supply chain management, you might deal with overseas vendors, procurement teams, or inventory tracking software, all of which require English-language contracts, emails, and phone calls.

Foxconn, TSMC, and ASUS—which are giants in Taiwan’s manufacturing sector regularly coordinate logistics with suppliers in the U.S., Germany, and Japan.

5. Logistics Technology and Software

Many companies now use AI-driven tracking systems, cloud-based inventory management, and digital freight booking. The problem? Many of these software platforms are designed in English.

Whether it’s SAP for warehouse management, Oracle for supply chain logistics, or FedEx’s tracking systems, professionals need English to navigate dashboards, troubleshoot errors, and follow training manuals.

If you’re working in logistics IT, automation, or analytics, English isn’t just useful—it’s required to keep up with the latest global logistics technologies.

6. English Learning Is Becoming More Accessible

Many professionals in Taiwan’s logistics industry are actively improving their English skills.

Some take formal English courses, while others prefer one-on-one lessons with private tutors for a more customized learning experience.

For those looking to improve their business English for logistics, platforms like AmazingTalker (英文家教) provide flexible, personalized tutoring.

Taiwan’s government has a long-term goal to become a bilingual nation by 2030. The policy encourages English education across all industries, including logistics and supply chain management.

Many companies are now offering English training programs for their employees. Some logistics firms even require English proficiency for promotions to higher management positions.

For young professionals entering the industry, learning English early can set them apart from the competition. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can handle international logistics with ease.

When Is English Less Important?

Not every role in Taiwan’s logistics industry requires English. If you’re working in:

• Warehouse operations (sorting, stocking, and scanning inventory)
• Local trucking and last-mile delivery (for companies like Lalamove, Taiwan Post, or SF Express)
• Courier services for domestic deliveries

You can manage with just Mandarin. However, even in these roles, having basic English skills can give you an edge, especially when dealing with imported goods or international clients.

Bottom Line

It depends on your role. If you’re handling international trade, customs, supply chain management, or working for a multinational company, English is a must-have skill.

But if you’re working in local warehouse management or domestic deliveries, English is helpful—but not required.

Still, with Taiwan’s increasing role in global trade, English proficiency can open doors to better job opportunities. The logistics industry is evolving fast, and those who can communicate across borders will have a competitive edge.

Up next, let’s talk about why English is becoming even more important in Taiwan’s logistics sector and how companies are adapting to these changes.

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