‘DYNAMIC STABILITY’:The central bank might maintain its position on the local currency amid a mild acceleration in inflation and stable prices for raw materials

Taipei Times
Date: Nov 16, 2017
By: Crystal Hsu  /  Staff reporter

The nation’s economy might expand 2.3 percent next year, mildly softer than the 2.5 percent estimated for this year, as main trading partners might fare slightly weaker due to a lack of patent growth drivers and a high base of comparison, the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER, 台灣經濟研究院) said yesterday.

The economic landscape ahead looks fair, allowing major economies to continue to recover, although their pace might differ, TIER economist Gordon Sun (孫明德) told a news conference.

The US and countries supported by raw materials are likely to perform better next year, while Europe, China and Japan might slow a bit in the absence of stimulus, the Taipei-based institute said.

Europe, China and Japan account for about 55 percent of the nation’s exports, limiting the growth forecast for next year in exports including services to 3.26 percent and imports to 3.11 percent, Sun said.    [FULL  STORY]