BW Online | September 3, 2001 | Taiwan: One More Roar Falls Quiet

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2001

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Taiwan: One More Roar Falls Quiet

Another Asian Tiger has become as meek as a mouse.

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Chart: The Worst Slump in 26 Years

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

U.S.: This Recovery Insurance Is Low Risk--and Low Cost

Taiwan: One More Roar Falls Quiet

In the second quarter, Taiwan's real gross domestic product fell 2.4% below its year-ago level, the worst performance in 26 years (chart). Exports, including high-tech electronics, tumbled as global demand dried up. In particular, U.S. trade data show the U.S. spent 10% less for Taiwanese goods in the first half of 2001 compared with the same period a year ago.

Foreign demand, while a crucial drag, is not the only culprit. Consumer spending was up by just 1% last quarter, as households grappled with a record-high jobless rate of 4.6%. And companies are cutting inventories this year, another drain on economic growth. The government said real GDP is on track to shrink by 2.5% in the third quarter. In 2000, real GDP surged 5.9%.

The economic weakness came on suddenly and has exposed some cracks in the financial system. The stock market is down about 8% so far this year, and banks are saddled with a rising number of nonperforming loans. Standard & Poor's estimates 10% of Taiwan's bank loans are delinquent.

Immediately after the dismal GDP data were released, the central bank cut its target rate from 3.5% to 3.25%, the fifth cut this year. The move might help the corporate debt situation, but it also means further weakness for the Taiwanese dollar.

The GDP decline means Taiwan joins the list of east Asian economies that were once roaring and are now squeaking by. Singapore is officially in recession, Hong Kong's economy slowed dramatically this spring, and South Korea on Aug. 21 said its second-quarter economic performance was the worst since late 1998.

Taiwan's economic troubles have pushed the tiny island nation to forge even closer ties with China. On Aug. 20, the government announced plans to tap China's economic rise and perhaps loosen restrictions on trade and investment in China. Unfortunately, those plans are long-term goals and will do little to help the current woes.

By James C. Cooper & Kathleen Madigan

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