TIER: Worst of Manufacturing Over, April Sentiment Indices Rise Across Three Major Sectors

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) announced on the 25th that sentiment indices for manufacturing, services, and construction all rose in April. Sun Ming-te, director of the TIER Economic Forecasting Center, stated that the impact of the Middle East conflict is fading, and the "worst is over." Key drivers include the AI boom boosting the ICT sector, inventory replenishment in traditional industries, and strong consumer spending supported by a high stock market. Sun cited AMD CEO Lisa Su's optimistic outlook on AI as evidence of long-term growth potential. Conversely, the real estate market remains conservative due to central bank credit controls and capital flowing into the stock market. While economic growth forecasts may be revised upward, TIER emphasized the need to monitor AI supply chain developments and the resolution of the Middle East conflict.