economic performance 結果共15筆

Discover how Fubon Financial Holding Chair Daniel Tsai predicts a rise in commodity prices following an electricity price increase in Taiwan. Gain insights from industry leaders like Tung Tzu-hsien of Pegatron Corp on the impact of electricity costs on manufacturing and services sectors, and the necessity of reducing government subsidies. Stay informed on economic growth projections and the interplay between electricity prices and overall market dynamics.

Taiwan’s currency faces depreciation as the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes continue. Experts weigh in on potential impacts on exports and inflation, with anticipation for future Fed decisions. Stay updated on 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.

Hon Hai Precision Industry Chairman Young Liu has stated that the AI server industry is facing a shortage of AI chips, which is expected to persist throughout 2024. Liu emphasized that the problem can only be resolved by increasing production capacity in new factories. He also highlighted that geopolitical and economic conditions may affect the demand for consumer electronic products this year. Despite holding a significant position in the global AI server industry, Hon Hai is facing a shortfall in the supply of AI chips from major manufacturers like NVIDIA. While some second and third-tier factories claim their AI server performance will be good in 2024, Liu expressed skepticism and confusion about this situation.

Taipei’s Executive Yuan Spokesperson, Lin Tze-luen, announced a budget surplus for the 2023 fiscal year, attributing the achievement to the combined efforts of civil society and the government. The surplus will be allocated responsibly to maintain fiscal discipline, primarily focusing on debt reduction and infrastructure investment. Taiwan’s economy has experienced consistent growth, resulting in a budget surplus for seven consecutive years. In 2022, the surplus reached an impressive NT$500 billion, leading to a proposed special budget of NT$380 billion. This special budget aims to enhance economic and social resilience, with provisions such as a cash payment of NT$6,000 per citizen, support for labor and health insurance programs, and assistance for Taiwan Power Company. Additionally, the special budget includes programs to aid residential loan holders from the middle class and below. Lin emphasized the government’s commitment to considering public opinion and promoting national affairs to facilitate Taiwan’s sustainable development.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has stated that Beijing is working to isolate Taiwan globally in response to criticisms made by Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih regarding Taiwan’s stagnant free trade agreements (FTA). During a presidential policy presentation, Hou criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its unsatisfactory economic performance and the lack of progress in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. MOFA emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to global economic integration and bilateral economic cooperation, but highlighted the interference from China. MOFA believes that Taiwan’s ability to participate effectively in economic integration depends on its strength and global connections, especially as countries like the U.S. and European nations reassess their economic risks with China. MOFA urges all Taiwanese, regardless of political affiliation, to unite and enhance cooperation with like-minded nations in the face of external challenges.

KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong challenges the narrative of the ＂1992 Consensus,＂ stating it was not used during cross-strait negotiations. He explains that the parties involved articulated their positions orally with no unified expression, and it was later that Su Chi introduced the term. Jaw also addresses the DPP’s stance on the ＂One China＂ policy, stating that the DPP urges Beijing to acknowledge ＂One China＂ as the Republic of China, a recognition unlikely from Beijing. He critiques the DPP’s performance over their 8-year tenure and suggests that the electorate could express dissatisfaction by transferring power to the KMT. Jaw acknowledges the contributions of Taiwanese businesses to China’s economic development and asserts that Taiwan could demand economic concessions from China. He questions the need for increased defense spending and extended conscription in Taiwan in the absence of an immediate threat, stating that conflict between the two sides should and must not occur.

Taiwan’s average regular earnings for employed workers increased by 2.49% from January to October, reaching NT$45,441. However, this growth is the lowest in the past three years, with total earnings, including bonuses and other irregular income, only up by 1.53%. The average monthly real wage slightly increased by 0.06% to NT$41,370, while the average total real wage decreased by 0.87% to NT$53,960, the first decline in seven years. This decline is attributed to a decrease in year-end bonuses following a cooling economy and a decrease in exports. Despite an overall increase in employment of 10,000 workers compared to last year, the manufacturing industry saw a significant drop of 27,000 employees due to economic adjustments. In October, the average regular wage was NT$45,564, up 0.13% from the previous month and 2.31% year-on-year. Part-time workers’ average hourly regular earnings increased marginally to NT$200, reflecting a 1.01% year-on-year gain. While industries such as arts, entertainment, and leisure services, as well as real estate, experienced wage increases, sectors like computer, electronic, and optical product manufacturing saw significant decreases in total wages by 18.54%. The employment numbers in manufacturing have been impacted by export decline, with an increase of 10,000 employed workers from January to October. The industrial sector saw a decrease of 0.63%, while the service sector grew by 0.67%. Accommodation and food services experienced a growth of 13,000 jobs, arts, entertainment, and leisure services saw an upsurge of 7,000, but manufacturing was hit with a reduction of 27,000 employees.

SinoPac Securities Investment Service (SinoPac Inv. Service) has released a report on the Taiwanese stock market, highlighting its impressive growth streak. Taiwan stocks have surged over 44% since 2020 through the end of November, outpacing South Korea’s market and even surpassing the US S&P 500’s gain. The report suggests that Taiwan stocks are poised to set a new high for the year, as the index has successfully breached the critical threshold of 16,800 points. SinoPac Inv. Service also points out that political performance and a thriving stock market are often seen as indicators of the incumbent’s record, with the stock market tending to show an upward trend before the presidential elections. Given the current momentum and what is described as a ＂multi-bottom pattern,＂ investment strategists at SinoPac are suggesting a ＂bullish-bias＂ investment approach. As investors closely monitor economic indicators before making their predictions on the election’s impact, Taiwan’s stock market enters the end-of-year season with robust investor optimism.

The story discusses the criticism of the revival of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Chang Chih-hao. Chang argues that the CSSTA, an outdated agreement from a decade ago, could harm Taiwan’s interests. This statement was in response to calls from Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je to reopen the service trade pact with China. Chang criticizes the China-centric economic and trade policies of former President Ma Ying-jeou, which he believes led to an unbalanced cross-strait economic environment. He highlights the negative impact the CSSTA could have on Taiwan’s industries, jobs, and salary levels. Chang also points out Taiwan’s recent economic achievements, such as the stock market’s performance, while noting China’s high youth unemployment rate. The DPP supports healthy and fair cross-strait exchanges but emphasizes the importance of avoiding political motives and unfair trade. Chang calls for a balanced approach to cross-strait economic and trade agreements and stresses the need for open communication with society when dealing with China’s economic coercion.

Taiwan’s 2023 GDP growth forecast has been lowered to 1.42%, the lowest in 14 years, due to weaker exports and private investment. Year-end bonuses for Taiwanese workers have also been affected, with the average amount shrinking to 1.08 months’ worth of salary, hitting a 10-year low. The financial industry leads in bonus payouts with an average of 1.83 months’ salary, followed by the semiconductor industry at 1.38 months. The healthcare services industry averages just 0.97 months of salary, while the accommodations and food services sector lags further behind at only 0.59 months. Despite the downward revision, the DGBAS remains optimistic for 2024, forecasting a GDP growth rate rebound to 3.35%. However, challenges such as the Ukraine-Russia war, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and ongoing inflation may pose risks to the global economy. Looking ahead to 2024, local job banks predict pay increases in 47.5% of companies, with an average salary hike of 3.2%, slightly lower than in 2023. Experts caution that Taiwan’s economic recovery may not be as swift as hoped.

According to a national economic confidence survey by Cathay Financial Holding, approximately half of respondents believe their salaries will increase in 2024, showing a more optimistic outlook compared to last year. About 25% of respondents anticipate a pay hike of more than 3%. This comes after the Ministry of Labor’s decision to raise the minimum wage by just over 4% in 2024. 64% of respondents reported that their income has remained unchanged over the past six months, while 18.1% said it has increased and 17.9% said it has decreased. Looking ahead to next year, 25.2% of respondents expect a salary increase of more than 3%, a significant increase from last year’s survey. The survey also reveals that respondents predict the country’s economic growth rate to stay at 1.6%, with only around 21% believing it will surpass 2% this year. In terms of inflation expectations, the median value remains steady at 2.5%, with 84% of respondents believing this year’s inflation rate will be more than 2%. Overall, the public maintains a conservative outlook on economic expansion, while inflation expectations remain higher.

The Taiwanese government is taking preemptive measures to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Premier Chen Chien-jen highlights the importance of a talented workforce and enhanced research in guiding industries towards a green energy transition. The government is also focused on strengthening strategies and providing better services for domestic industries. The National Development Council is actively removing obstacles to land acquisition for overseas businesses returning to Taiwan. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has proposed a plan to increase water supply capacity and promote the use of reclaimed and desalinated water. Additionally, the MOEA is investing in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in solar and offshore wind power, with the aim of establishing high-performance offshore wind ports.

The Ministry of Labor in Taiwan has announced that 364 companies have implemented reduced work shifts, affecting a total of 9,809 employees. Among these companies, four manufacturing firms have halted or prematurely ended these initiatives due to urgent orders. The manufacturing industry has been the most impacted, with 203 businesses and 8,791 individuals affected by reduced work hours. The Department of Labor Standards and Equal Employment Director Huang Wei-chen noted that large-scale businesses are typically the first to cease these initiatives when economic conditions improve. Huang also predicted that the number of companies implementing unpaid leave may decrease by the end of the year or early next year. This situation highlights the delicate balance between ensuring employee welfare and meeting business requirements, especially in the face of current economic uncertainties. The Ministry of Labor continues to oversee work policies to protect workers while promoting strong industrial performance.

Taiwan’s export industry’s performance this year has yet to see high numbers. However, the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) estimates that the growth in private consumption will exceed 5%, taking the lead in the country’s economic performance.