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Taiwan inflation hits 3.5-year low in October
Taiwan’s inflation rate hit a 3.5-year low in October, with the CPI rising 1.69% year-over-year. Despite Typhoon Krathon’s impact, core CPI eased.
2024/11/06 21:00
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Minister urges science-based talks on carbon fee policy
Minister Peng Chi-ming defends Taiwan’s carbon fee policy, urging data-driven discussions. He clarifies its minimal impact on costs and addresses criticism over CPI effects.
2024/10/15 13:12
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MOEA: minimal CPI impact from rate changes
Taiwan’s Economic Minister Kuo Jyh-huei announced that 96% of electricity consumers will not see a rate increase, with minimal impact on the CPI. Industrial users face a 12.5% hike.
2024/10/01 21:00
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Premier Cho vows to stabilize household electricity rates
Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized the government’s commitment to stabilizing household electricity rates during a legislative session. Legislators raised concerns about the upcoming electricity rate review.
2024/09/24 15:52
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Vegetable prices expected to stabilize by early October
Discover how recent heavy rains in Taiwan have spiked vegetable prices in Taipei, with expectations for stabilization in early October if weather conditions improve. Learn about the impact on local agriculture and consumer prices.
2024/09/23 23:00
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Soup Dumpling Index measures global purchasing power
Axios introduces the "Soup Dumpling Index," revealing global purchasing power differences. Taipei ranks high, offering 15.7 dumplings for US$10, while Kuala Lumpur tops the list.
2024/09/23 15:16
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APCB Group to end Taiwan manufacturing by December 2024
Discover why Taiwan’s APCB Group is ending its manufacturing operations in Taiwan by December 2024, including the impact of rising gold prices and future plans for its workforce.
2024/09/10 15:26
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Labor minister prioritizes marginal worker’s living standard
Explore the latest on Taiwan’s minimum wage review meeting led by Labor Minister Ho Pei-shan, focusing on inflation’s impact on marginal workers and the importance of safeguarding their living standards.
2024/09/04 12:06
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Taipower may break even in 2024 with NT$100 billion subsidy
Discover how Taiwan Power Company plans to achieve a break-even point in 2023 with a NT$100 billion government subsidy and the potential impact on consumer electricity prices. Learn about the factors influencing the upcoming price review.
2024/08/15 20:00
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MOENV: Carbon fee to target big emitters, not transport
Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment clarifies the impact of the proposed carbon fee on Taiwan Railway’s ticket prices and its broader strategy for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
2024/07/17 21:00
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Pandemic boom in Taiwan’s food delivery fades as fees bite
Discover how high commission fees charged by food delivery platforms are causing restaurants to reconsider their use, amidst a shifting market dynamic and consumer behavior, according to a recent report.
2024/06/27 16:17
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Executive Yuan flags issues with food delivery acquisition
Explore the potential impacts of Uber Eats acquiring foodpanda on consumers and partner restaurants, including concerns over choice, costs, and membership benefits.
2024/05/23 11:48
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Uber Eats, foodpanda merger to dominate Taiwan’s market
Discover how Uber’s acquisition of foodpanda for US$950 million sets the stage for a major shift in Taiwan’s food delivery market, pending regulatory approval. Learn about the potential market impacts and consumer concerns.
2024/05/15 10:11
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Food vendors absorb electricity costs, fearing price hikes
Lukang Old Street Business District chairperson Huang Shih-chieh expresses concern over rising electricity costs and their impact on food vendors, who may absorb cost increases to avoid raising prices due to declining consumer purchasing power, potentially leading to a vicious inflation cycle.
2024/04/15 17:25
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Taiwan medical costs soar 4.47% in March, reach 18-year high
Taiwan’s DGBAS reports a 4.47% year-on-year increase in medical costs for March, the highest in 18 years, due to the New Health Insurance Co-payment System. The March CPI showed a 2.14% year-on-year increase, with dining-out costs and essential commodity prices decreasing slightly. However, inflationary pressures persist in services like medical costs and rent.
2024/04/10 17:16
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Taiwan debates over menstrual products tax exemption
Explore the debate in Taipei as lawmakers advocate for sales tax exemption on menstrual products, facing opposition from the Ministry of Finance over concerns of insufficient consumer benefits and potential NT$380 million annual revenue loss. Amidst discussions on gender wage gaps and period poverty, the ministry highlights the challenges of tax exemption policies and the broader implications for the tax system.
2024/04/10 13:43
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Taiwan braces for electricity price hike amid inflation woes
Amid inflationary pressures, Taiwan plans to raise electricity prices, impacting daily life and industry, especially high-energy-consuming businesses like hot pot restaurants. The increase, projected to be across-the-board, could lead to higher operating costs and consumer prices. Taiwan Power Company faces substantial losses, with a potential 20% price surge predicted to affect economic growth and consumer prices. Some workers see the adjustment as a step towards sustainable energy development, encouraging energy-saving and emission-reduction industries.
2024/03/13 15:28
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Taiwan’s MOEA to monitor electricity price changes
Stay updated on Taiwan’s economic landscape with the latest news from Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua. Discover insights on electricity price fluctuations and their impact on domestic issues, as well as the government’s strategies to address losses incurred by Taiwan Power Company. Explore the projections for economic growth and inflation rates amidst industry recovery and upcoming events.
2024/03/01 15:56
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Formosa Plastics invests NT$318M to upgrade heavy industries
Formosa Plastics Corporation will invest NT$318.03 million into Formosa Heavy Industries to expand its business operations. The corporation plans to spend NT$59.58 million on two designation projects and two initiatives to upgrade manufacturing processes. The decision is a response to the impact of China’s "Refining-chemical integration" endeavor, which has caused a dip in demand for petrochemicals and plastics. By enhancing equipment, Formosa Plastics aims to increase carbon fiber and PVC production capabilities, anticipating a positive market boost. Despite reduced shipping days during the Lunar New Year, the company projects a seasonally high-demand period post-Lunar New Year. With lower inflation in Western countries and growing consumer confidence, the market is expected to warm up.
2024/02/07 16:52
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Hon Hai anticipates growth amid global AI chip scarcity
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.
2024/02/05 10:21
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Taiwan travel agents urge for earlier pre-strike notices
The Travel Agent Association of R.O.C., Taiwan, has urged aviation unions to give a one-month notice before going on strike to mitigate social repercussions. They warned that another strike could have a devastating impact on the aviation industry. This call comes as EVA Air pilots, in collaboration with the Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP), have secured the right to strike. The planned strike is set for the Lunar New Year period, which is a peak travel period. The pilots aim to safeguard their rights, but the Travel Agent Association emphasized that such action would significantly affect consumers and travel agencies. They criticized past unplanned strikes by China Airlines’ cabin crew, pilots, and EVA Air’s cabin crew for disregarding consumer rights. The association emphasized the adoption of international pre-strike notice processes to allow sufficient time for negotiations and consensus-building, benefiting both consumers and labor.
2024/01/23 17:33
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Natixis: Taiwan’s economy set for growth amid 2024 election
The upcoming Taiwan presidential election is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economic growth, according to a research report by France’s Natixis Corporate and Investment Banking company. The report suggests that regardless of the election outcome, Taiwan is poised for economic growth, with the consumer and tech industries leading the way. The research predicts that economic growth could increase from 1.2% in 2023 to 2.9% in 2024. While candidates share similar social and labor policies, the report highlights the major differences in their positions on industrial and energy areas, as well as Taiwan’s economic relationship with China. The report also mentions the potential role of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je in triggering legislative instability. The incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), leading in polls, is expected to continue pushing for diversified trade and investment policies, shifting focus from China to the U.S. and other Asian regions. However, achieving these targets may be challenging as Taiwan has missed out on regional trade and economic agreements such as RCEP, CPTTP, and the U.S.-led IPEF. If the Kuomintang (KMT) wins the election, they might seek closer trade and investment links with China by expanding the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), according to Natixis.
2024/01/06 17:16
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Taiwan Central Bank holds interest rate steady for 3rd time
Taiwan’s central bank has announced that it will maintain its interest rate for the third consecutive time in its quarterly board meeting. The decision was influenced by price changes and the need to balance stabilizing consumer prices with sustaining economic growth. Despite rising consumer prices due to natural disasters, the central bank remains optimistic and expects the inflation rate to drop below 2% next year. Forecasts for Taiwan’s GDP growth rate in 2023 are more positive, projected to reach 3.12%. This is supported by increasing private consumption, particularly in tourism and dining, as well as the central bank’s expectation of a global export increase to stimulate local investment and drive economic recovery. In contrast to the Federal Reserve in the U.S., Taiwan’s central bank stated that its monetary policy approach would be adjusted gradually based on the country’s economic conditions. Despite high housing prices, the central bank has decided against imposing stricter measures or withdrawing from market intervention to avoid further impact on the property market.
2023/12/15 16:31
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Nien Hsing Textile to shut down denim mill amid losses
Nien Hsing Textile Co., Ltd. announces the closure of its denim mill in Houlong Township, Miaoli County, due to significant operational losses. The Taiwan-based global jeans manufacturer faces challenges including fluctuating cotton prices and a tough consumer market.
2023/11/22 11:41
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Recycling old tech booms as environmental awareness grows
Learn how old tech recycling gains momentum as major companies release new devices annually. Growing environmental awareness prompts businesses to push for greener practices, offering profit and eco-consciousness. Discover the CO2 reduction potential and business growth in this article.
2023/08/16 10:20