TAIPEI -- The government-sponsored Industrial Technology Research Institute's Industrial Economics and Knowledge Center (IEK) has raised its forecast for the output growth of Taiwan's manufacturing sector for 2017, as the global economy shows signs of improving. According to a research report released by the IEK, the production value of the local manufacturing sector for 2017 could rise 2.52 percent from a year earlier to NT$17.32 trillion (US$550 billion). In 2016, the output of the local manufacturing sector fell 3.97 percent from a year earlier amid weak global demand in the first half of the year. The IEK said that the industry could see its output rise further by 7.2 percent in 2017. Despite an upbeat mood about the local manufacturing sector, the IEK said that Taiwan should remain cautious about the possible impact resulting from Trump, who strongly supports protectionism, determined to put "America First" on his agenda.

Source: The China Post January 21, 2017 16:36 UTC