Rates seen rising to 1.75 by 22 of 23 economists
Inflation slowing, but export contraction worsening
Central bank to also update 2022, 2023 GDP forecast
Rate decision Thursday, Dec 15, after 400 p.m. 0800 GMT

TAIPEI, Dec 12 Reuters Taiwan39;s central bank is expected to raise its policy rate again this week at the same mild pace as before, according to economists polled by Reuters, but as exports and inflation slow it may hold that rate steady next year to support the economy.

The central bank is likely to lift the benchmark discount rate by 12.5 basis points to 1.75 at its quarterly meeting on Thursday, according to the median forecast of 23 economists surveyed. At the last meeting, in September, the bank also raised it by 12.5 basis points, to 1.625.

One economist surveyed expected the central bank to stand pat.

Looking ahead, the median forecast for those polled was for the central bank to keep the rate at 1.75 for all of 2023.

The central bank has repeatedly said it will tighten monetary policy this year, in line with counterparts elsewhere, with inflation a key decider.

Taking lawmaker questions on Monday, central bank governor Yang Chinlong said the focus of this week39;s meeting would be relatively simple inflation, and the domestic impact on what is happening with global economic growth.

Taiwan39;s inflation, never as bad lately as it has been in the United States and Europe, has been slowing since August.

Its consumer price index was 2.35 higher in…