economic improvement 結果共5筆

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Asian manufacturing in March shows varying recovery rates across the region, with Taiwan’s manufacturing sector on the rise and confidence among Taiwanese businesses reaching a nearly three-year high. Japan also saw improvement, while South Korea and Vietnam experienced contractions. Paul Smith from S&P Global Market Intelligence notes signs of price and supply stabilization supporting a more optimistic outlook for the Asian manufacturing sector.

Stay updated on Taiwan’s economic progress as the National Development Council reports a stable outlook for January 2024. Economic indicators show positive trends in production, investment, sales, and finance, signaling continued recovery. Follow the transition from recession to a transitional economy in key sectors, reflecting a promising shift in Taiwan’s economic landscape.

Taiwan’s export performance reached a historic high from 2021 to 2023, but experienced a 9.8% decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Finance. Despite this setback, exports to the U.S. continued to soar with a 49.7% year-on-year increase, while exports to countries covered by Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy also saw significant growth. However, exports to mainland China decreased to 35.2%. Taiwan’s total export tally for 2023 amounted to US$432.48 billion, ranking behind only 2022 and 2021. The demand for communications and electronic products during the pandemic-induced work-from-home trend boosted Taiwan’s exports. The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research predicted significant international trade growth in 2024, which would benefit export-oriented economies like Taiwan. In December 2023, Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. reached $8.49 billion, and exports to southern countries surged by over 50%. However, due to the limited coverage of free trade agreements (FTAs), many traditional Taiwanese industries chose to restructure risks and production in Southeast and South Asia. The return of Taiwanese businesses and the expansion of local factories after the U.S.-China trade war, as well as global economic circumstances, significantly impacted the decline in 2023 exports. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) estimated the first-quarter export volume for 2024 to be around US$106.1 billion, which is an improvement compared to the same period in 2023, but a 10% decrease from 2022.

A survey by Cathay Financial Holdings reveals that Taiwanese are increasingly optimistic about year-end bonuses and economic prospects. 59.3% of respondents expect bonuses ranging from one to three months’ salary, surpassing last year’s 55%. Furthermore, 8.3% anticipate bonuses exceeding three months’ pay, reflecting an improvement in attitudes towards Taiwan’s economy. The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics predicts a 3.35% economic growth in 2024 with an inflation rate of 1.64%, but the public is more cautious, expecting a 2.52% growth and a 2.21% inflation rate. The optimism index for the local stock market has also improved. Additionally, 45.9% of Taiwanese anticipate salary increases, a 13.2 percentage point increase from 2022, while those expecting a steady monthly income dropped by 10.9 percentage points to 47.6%. Only 32.4% believe their year-end bonus will be less than one month’s salary, a decrease of 5.6 percentage points from the previous year.

Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, expressed concerns about maintaining a 2% GDP growth rate this year despite signs of economic recovery. She cited external factors such as inflation, the Russia-Ukrainian war, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as global market influences. However, Wang emphasized that Taiwan’s innovation and efficiency are key advantages that can withstand external economic pressures. The National Development Council also reported a slight improvement in economic measures, indicating subtle growth amidst global adversity. Despite challenges, Taiwanese authorities and stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic and ready to leverage the nation’s inherent strengths.