Preliminary Q4 GDP seen at 1.3 yy prior qtr 4.01
Data due Wednesday, Jan 18, 3 p.m. 0700 GMT

TAIPEI, Jan 17 Reuters Taiwan39;s economy likely expanded much more slowly in the fourth quarter compared to the prior quarter due to increased global economic headwinds denting demand for technology which is a key export, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.

Gross domestic product GDP likely grew just 1.3 in OctoberDecember versus a year earlier, the poll of 20 economists shows, after it expanded 4.01 yearonyear in the third quarter.

Policymakers have said they expect fullyear 2022 growth of around or less than 3, slower than the 6.45 logged for 2021. That was the fastest rate in over a decade since it expanded 10.25 in 2010.

Economists39; forecasts for preliminary GDP data due on Wednesday varied widely from a contraction of 0.1 to growth of 3.5.

GDP last year peaked in the second and third quarters, with the fourth quarter hit by weakening electronics demand, and also coming off a high base, First Capital Management analyst Chengyu Liu said.

Recent economic data released by the United States is also weak, Liu added. It is expected that Taiwan39;s GDP in the first and second quarters of this year will not be good, with growth in the first quarter only 1.1.

Demand for Taiwanese goods has been hit by COVID19 controls and outbreaks in China, as well as soaring global inflation and tightening monetary policy.

The economy in China, Taiwan39;s largest trading partner, expanded…