MIC projects global shipment of handsets at 1.327 billion units this year, up nearly 60% from last year, with smartphones to account for 219 million units, or 19.8%, of the total. In other words, Taiwan is expected to command a 34% share of the smartphone market in the year.

MIC also expects Taiwan's shipment of smartphones to reach 17 million units in the second quarter of this year, and surge further to 23 million units in the third quarter and 25 million units in the fourth quarter, with models under High Tech Computer's own brand and iPhone manufacturered by Hon Hai Group fueling the growth.

Worth mentioning is that the growing popularity of smartphones has helped Taiwanese handset manufacturers to regain their positions in the global supply chain in recent years.

MIC indicates that Taiwan's share of the overall shipment of handsets in the world once peaked at 15% around five years ago when most domestic makers were mainly focused on production of low-end or entry-level mobile phones. However, with Chinese mobile phone makers emerging and international brands increasingly concentrated on promotion of smartphones, Taiwan's shipment of traditional mobile phones is estimated at only 22.8 million units this year, including 6 million units for the third quarter and 5 million units for the second quarter, according to the institution.