Regional Economic Outlook
Sort by: Date Region
May 2018
Regional Economic Outlook: Asia Pacific
May 9, 2018
Description: The world economy continues to perform well, with strong growth and trade, rising but still muted inflation, and accommodative financial conditions, notwithstanding some increased financial market volatility in early 2018. Driven partly by the procyclical tax stimulus in the United States, near-term economic prospects for both the world and Asia have improved from the alreadyfavorable outlook presented in the October 2017 Regional Economic Outlook Update: Asia and Pacific. Asia is expected to grow by around 5½ percent this year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global growth, and the region remains the world’s most dynamic by a considerable margin. But despite the strong outlook, policymakers must remain vigilant. While risks around the forecast are broadly balanced for now, they are skewed firmly to the downside over the medium term. Key risks include further market corrections, a shift toward protectionist policies, and an increase in geopolitical tensions. With output gaps closing in much of the region, fiscal policies should focus on ensuring sustainability. Given still moderate wage and price pressures, monetary policies can remain accommodative in most Asian economies for now, but central banks should stand ready to adjust their stances as inflation picks up, and macroprudential policies should be used appropriately to contain credit growth. Many Asian economies face important medium-term challenges, including population aging and declining productivity growth, and will need structural reforms, complemented in some cases by fiscal support. Finally, the global economy is becoming increasingly digitalized, and some of the emerging technologies have the potential to be truly transformative, even as they pose new challenges. Asia is already a leader in many aspects of the digital revolution, but to remain at the cutting edge and reap the full benefits from technological advances, policy responses will be needed in many areas, including information and communication technology, trade, labor markets, and education.
October 2017
Regional Economic Outlook: Asia Pacific, October 2017: Making the Most of the Upswing
October 13, 2017
May 2017
May 2016
Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific, April 2016: Building on Asia's Strengths During Turbulent Times
May 3, 2016
October 2015
Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook Update, October 2015: Asia: Bolstering Resilience amid the Slowdown
October 9, 2015
May 2015
Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific, April 2015: Stabilizing and Outperforming Other Regions
May 6, 2015
October 2014
Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook Update, October 2014
October 10, 2014
April 2014
Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific, April 2014 - Sustaining the Momentum: Vigilance and Reforms
April 28, 2014
Description: IMF Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific, April 2014 -- table of Contents
October 2013
Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook Update: October 2013
October 11, 2013
April 2013
Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific, April 2013 - Shifting Risks, New Foundations for Growth
April 29, 2013
Description: IMF Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific, April 2013 -- table of Contents