TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Standard Chartered on Thursday raised Taiwan’s GDP forecast to 8% this year, citing robust AI chip demand and exports.
The bank’s latest outlook expects global growth to remain solid at 3.4% this year, while Taiwan benefits from export momentum and technology investment, per Liberty Times. Taiwan’s exports rose about 45% year-on-year in January–February, driven by ICT products and electronic components.
Standard Chartered Chief Economist for Greater China and North Asia Chief Economist Ding Shuang said that while US tariffs have lingering effects, the global economy remains resilient. He noted that growth drivers are shifting from monetary toward fiscal policy, with domestic demand and investment taking a larger role.
Ding added that geopolitical tensions are reshaping global strategies, assigning higher value to commodities such as oil, rare earths, and chips. Rising oil prices challenge energy-importing Asian economies that had previously benefited from moderate inflation and a weak dollar.
Standard Chartered senior economist Hu Dongan said Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is set to enjoy an extended boost from the AI boom, per UDN. Strong exports and AI-related investment will continue to support growth, while traditional industries and private consumption remain relatively weak.
Hu also warned that oil price volatility, lingering tariff uncertainties, and a cooling real estate market could affect Taiwan’s momentum. Despite these challenges, the country’s leading position in advanced chip manufacturing positions it to remain a key driver in the global technology sector, he added.
