IMF says Asia facing risks from rise in protectionism

IMF headquarters in Washington. (Photo: AFP)

The IMF, which in April raised its 2017 Asia-Pacific growth forecast to 5.5 per cent from its previous October forecast of 5.4 per cent, said loose monetary and fiscal policies across most of the region would underpin domestic demand.

"However, the near-term outlook is clouded with significant uncertainty, and risks, on balance, remain slanted to the downside," the IMF said in its Asia-Pacific regional economic outlook released on Tuesday (May 9).

In April, the IMF kept the region's 2018 growth forecast unchanged at 5.4 per cent. Asia-Pacific recorded 5.3 per cent growth in 2016.

The report comes at a time when policymakers around the region are wrestling with the challenge of how to navigate rising risks of protectionism under U.S. President Donald Trump, and a potential increase in funding costs as the Federal Reserve steps up the pace of rate hikes.

Continued tightening of global financial conditions could trigger volatility in capital flows, and the region could see large spillovers if China's shift to a more consumption-driven economy proves bumpier than expected, the IMF said.

"A possible shift toward protectionism in major trading partners also represents a substantial risk to the region. Asia is particularly vulnerable to a decline in global trade because the region has a high trade openness ratio, with significant participation in global supply chains," it said.

The IMF said exchange rate flexibility should remain the "main shock absorber" against a sudden tightening in global financial conditions or shift toward protectionism.

It added, however, that "judicious" foreign exchange intervention might be called for in certain cases, such as when disorderly market conditions or rapid exchange rate movements threaten financial or corporate stability.

The IMF emphasised that foreign exchange intervention should not be used to resist currency moves that reflect changes in fundamentals including in the global trade environment or as a substitute for macroeconomic policy adjustments.

Ageing demographics and a slowdown in productivity growth since the global financial crisis pose medium-term headwinds to the region's economic growth, the IMF said, adding that parts of Asia risk "becoming old before becoming rich".

"Adapting to ageing could be especially challenging for Asia, as populations living at relatively low per capita income levels in many parts of the region are rapidly becoming old," it said.

The IMF said monetary policy should generally remain accommodative in the region since inflation is below target and there is slack in most Asian economies.

If growth weakens further, some regional central banks such as those in Malaysia and Thailand, may have room to cut interest rates as long as external stability is not compromised, while others in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam should be ready to raise interest rates if inflationary pressures strengthen, the IMF said.