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The trade-reliant country’s growth print comes as investors watch for Trump’s meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on the sidelines of APEC in Gyeongju. The two sides have yet to finalize a trade deal, with officials looking to fine-tune terms after South Korea pledged up to $350 billion in U.S. investment commitments.

  Taiwan 

  Taiwan is due to release its third-quarter advanced GDP print on Friday, which will likely show slower but still-robust growth after a strong showing the prior quarter. 

  Frontloading of shipments to get ahead of U.S. tariffs and booming demand for the island's chips and electronics have fueled exports and propped up economic growth. ANZ economists estimate that every 1% increase in exports is associated with 0.2% increase in Taiwan's GDP. 

  Economists' estimates for the third-quarter GDP growth range from 5.9% to 6.7% after the second quarter's 8.01% expansion. 

  Although AI-related demand remains strong, there are signs that the momentum may be peaking as Taiwan's September exports growth missed expectations. 

  DBS economist Ma Tieying expects to see a gradual slowdown in both AI-related exports and investment starting from the fourth quarter into 2026 as the AI frenzy cools and tariff impacts materialize. 

  But in light of stronger-than-expected exports in the third quarter, DBS has lifted its full-year GDP growth forecast for the island to 5.6%. 

  Hong Kong 

  Data on Friday gives a snapshot of Hong Kong's economic health: Retail sales for September offer a glimpse into consumer demand and GDP estimates will show how growth held up in the third quarter. 

  Economists at DBS expect growth to have edged down a touch to 3.0% on the year, amid weaker exports. Imports are projected to have stayed resilient. 

  After a long run of contraction, retail sales have returned to growth recently, and markets will look to see if the momentum held up last month. 

  Hong Kong officials have said they expect stabilizing consumer sentiment and tourism tailwinds to help support retail businesses. 

  Looking ahead, DBS's economics team expects the U.S. rate-cut cycle to bolster consumption and investment sentiment in Hong Kong, supported by a softer Hong Kong dollar and lower borrowing costs. 

  Any references to days are in local times. 

  Write to Jessica Fleetham at jessica.fleetham@wsj.com and Jihye Lee at jihye.lee@wsj.com 

  (END) Dow Jones Newswires

  October 26, 2025 20:14 ET (00:14 GMT)
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