Taiwan ranked Asia’s fastest-growing economy in 2026

台灣獲評2026年亞洲成長最快經濟體

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has been ranked Asia’s fastest-growing economy in 2026, with real gross domestic product forecast to expand 11%, according to a Visual Capitalist ranking based on Asian Development Bank forecasts.

The ranking compares 18 selected Asian economies and puts Taiwan 2.1 percentage points ahead of second-ranked Kyrgyzstan, which is forecast to grow 8.9%. Vietnam ranks third at 7.8%, amid regional growth supported by varying combinations of exports, investment, manufacturing and domestic demand.

Taiwan’s strong growth outlook reflects the global boom in AI investment, which has driven demand for semiconductors and other technology products. Exports to the US, where companies are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, have been a key contributor to the country’s economic expansion.

Taiwan’s economy grew 14.1% in the first half of 2026, with second-quarter growth reaching 12.9%, according to the ADB’s Asian Development Outlook September 2026 report. Technology exports surged 65% in US dollar terms during the first half, while total exports grew 28% after adjusting for price changes, according to national income data.

The ADB forecasts 5% growth for developing Asia and the Pacific this year. Vietnam’s projected expansion is supported by manufacturing, exports and domestic demand.

India is projected to expand 7% in fiscal 2026-27, driven by investment and resilient services exports. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are also forecast to grow 7%, placing them among the region’s faster-growing economies.

Bhutan is projected to grow 6.5%, followed by Georgia and Turkmenistan at 6.3% each, and Mongolia at 5.7%. Indonesia is forecast to expand 5.2%, while Armenia and Singapore are each projected to grow 5%.

Malaysia is expected to grow 4.9%, followed by Kazakhstan at 4.8%, China at 4.6%, Hong Kong at 4.2%, and Sri Lanka at 4%. Taiwan’s 11% forecast stands well above those of the other economies in the ranking.

The ADB warned that the regional outlook faces risks from escalating geopolitical tensions, tighter financial conditions, trade uncertainty and the potential effects of El Niño. Higher energy costs and global economic uncertainty could also weigh on growth.