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Asia

Market Chatter: ASEAN Leaders to Gather in Philippines as US-Iran War Pressures Region

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to confront the widening economic shock of the Iran conflict at this week's summit in the Philippines, with inflation and supply disruptions taking center stage, Nikkei Asian Review reported on Wednesday.The talks will also cover the crisis in Myanmar and efforts to advance a South China Sea code of conduct. Attacks linked to the US-Iran war have choked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global supplies of oil and gas and leading to surging prices. Energy-importing economies such as the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are facing rising costs and strained supply chains, prompting subsidies, shorter work weeks and emergency measures. reportedly.Analysts say ASEAN's calls for de-escalation have had a limited impact, leaving leaders under pressure to respond. Divisions persist over Myanmar policy, while long-running negotiations with China on a South China Sea code are unlikely to conclude soon amid competing priorities and geopolitical tensions, the Nikkei said.The 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings are taking place in Cebu, Philippines, from May 6 to May 8, 2026.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Market Chatter: SouthEast Asian Rice Farmers Bear Brunt of Burgeoning Costs Amid Middle East Conflict

Rice farmers across South and Southeast Asia face mounting cost pressure ahead of the planting season as fertilizer prices spike, raising concerns over regional food supply, Nikkei Asian Review reported Wednesday.Fueled by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, urea prices climbed 18% in April after surging 54% in March. Benchmark urea prices hit $857 per ton in April, according to the World Bank, more than doubling from a year earlier and surpassing March's four-year high, the report said.This follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted exports from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The two countries account for roughly a third of global supply, according to the report.Higher input costs are forcing farmers to cut fertilizer use, risking weaker yields as the rice-growing season begins. With Asia heavily reliant on Gulf supplies, prolonged disruption could trigger shortages, while rising energy and transport costs may push overall production expenses up by as much as 80%, the Nikkei said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Moody's Improves Vietnam Outlook to Positive; Affirms Ratings

Moody's Ratings raised its outlook on the Government of Vietnam to "positive" from "stable" while affirming its issuer and senior unsecured rating at Ba2, according to a release by the ratings agency on Monday.The improved outlook reflects the country's potential to improve ​its credit profile over the next few years, as well as strengthening institutions and governance, the rating agency said.Risks linked to US trade policies are now also seen as less severe than previously expected.The affirmation of the Ba2 rating reflects the country's "strong growth potential, improving macroeconomic stability, and sustained attractiveness as a foreign investment destination," Moody's said.

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International

ASEAN Manufacturing Growth Slows to Nine-Month Low in April, S&P Global Says

ASEAN's manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in April, with growth easing to a nine-month low as price pressures intensified, according to data released by S&P Global on Tuesday.The S&P Global ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 50.7 in April from 51.8 in March, marking the weakest reading since July but extending the current expansion streak to nine months.New order growth slowed to an eight-month low, while production growth eased further and moved close to stagnation. New export orders declined for a second straight month at the fastest pace since last July.Firms cut employment for the first time in eight months, while purchasing activity increased.On the price front, input cost inflation surged to its highest level since March 2022, while output prices rose at the fastest pace in 49 months, reflecting stronger cost pass-through by firms.Despite challenges and weak historical levels, business confidence stayed positive in April, with manufacturers expecting production to grow over the next year, the report said.

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US Markets

Vietnam Manufacturing Pressured in April: PMI Report

Vietnam's manufacturing sector was pressured by declining orders and rising costs in April, reported S&P Global on Monday.The Vietnam manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) dropped to a seven-month low of 50.5 in April, down from 51.2 in March, though still marginally pointing at sector health, said S&P Global, citing its monthly survey.Vietnam factory managers reported that "new orders decreased for the first time in eight months" while manufacturers cut payrolls and hours, said S&P Global.Factor managers reported backlogs of work fell for the fourth time in five months during April, and that they they cut purchasing and inventory holdings in the month, advised S&P Global.Not surprisingly, Vietnamese factory managers were less optimistic in April."Concerns around the impacts of the war in the Middle East led to a further waning of optimism among Vietnamese manufacturers. Sentiment dipped to a seven-month low and was weaker than the series average," explained S&P Global.Vietnam's factory output "seems likely" to decline in coming months "unless the price and supply environments improve soon," said S&P Global.The Vietnam manufacturing PMI was compiled by S&P Global from survey sent to 400 manufacturers from April 9 through April 22.

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International

Asia Week Ahead: PMI Reports; Central Bank Decisions; and Inflation Prints

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with S&P Global's monthly purchasing managers' index reports, inflation prints, and central bank decisions across the region.Monday brings a slate of S&P Global manufacturing PMI reports for April, alongside Indonesia's inflation and trade figures.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decision, while Thailand and the Philippines release April inflation data.Wednesday features South Korea's April inflation print and New Zealand's first-quarter labor-market report, along with PMI readings from India, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.On Thursday, Malaysia's central bank decision will be in focus, alongside Taiwan's April inflation data and the Philippines' first-quarter GDP report.On Friday, Taiwan's April trade data and Malaysia's March industrial production figures will be due, before China closes out the week with April trade figures on Saturday.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, May 4The week kicked off with a slate of S&P Global purchasing managers' index reports covering manufacturing activity during April.Most economies in the region saw a rise in output despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has pushed oil prices upwards.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders.The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.6 in April from 50.7 in March, marking a second straight month of expansion.Output grew at the fastest pace since December 2021, while new orders increased as firms and clients built safety stocks amid uncertainty linked to the Middle East war.Output activity also expanded in South Korea, India, and Taiwan, according to S&P Global.Meanwhile, Vietnam's manufacturing sector also expanded, albeit at a slower pace.The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.5 in April from 51.2 in March, a seven-month low, signalling a tenth straight month of expansion but only marginal growth.In contrast, Indonesia's manufacturing sector slipped into contraction in April as cost pressures intensified due to material shortages and delays linked to the Middle East conflict.The S&P Global Indonesia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 49.1 in April from 50.1 in March, dropping below the 50 mark for the first time in nine months.Manufacturing activity similarly slipped in the Philippines as new orders fell sharply and cost pressures intensified.Indonesia released inflation figures, noting a 2.4% year on year rise in prices during April -- slower than the 3.5% recorded a month prior.The island state also booked a trade surplus of $5.55 billion in the first quarter, supported by a strong non-oil and gas balance despite higher import growth, according to official data released by Statistics Indonesia.The Melbourne Institute released its monthly inflation gauge, noting another increase in April, mainly driven by higher recreation-related prices. The monthly cost of living also increased in April, especially for employees and self-funded retirees.TUESDAY, May 5An interest rate decision in Australia will capture headlines on Tuesday.The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to rate hikes by 25 basis points to 4.35% as persistent inflation pressures and rising fuel costs linked to Middle East supply disruptions keeps the central bank on a hawkish path even as global peers hold steady.Thailand and the Philippines will release inflation data for April.Economists at ING said they expect the Philippines' headline inflation to rise above 5% as the government passes on the impact of higher global oil prices onto consumers. The Philippines' inflation climbed to 4.1% in March.Thailand is similarly expected to see a rise in consumer prices during April. According to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics, headline inflation could clock in at 1.7% on an annual basis, compared with a 0.08% decline in March.First-quarter gross domestic growth data will be due in Indonesia. DBS said it was forecasting 5.6% growth for the quarter thanks to government spending and festive spending during the period, the Wall Street Journal reported.Hong Kong will similarly release its first-quarter advance GDP growth estimate on Tuesday.Meanwhile, March retail sales figures will be expected in Singapore.On the activity front, S&P Global will release PMI reports manufacturing activity in Thailand and services and composite activity in Australia.WEDNESDAY, May 6Another inflation print, this time in South Korea.Economists at ING said they expect consumer prices to rise at a faster pace in April despite attempts by Seoul to rein in the impact of rising oil costs on consumers. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated headline inflation could clock in at 2.6%.In March, South Korea's annual inflation rose to 2.2%, breaching the central bank's 2% target.First-quarter labor data from New Zealand will also be in the news.CommBank expects headline labor-market figures to remain weak, forecasting just 0.1% quarterly employment growth and a rise in unemployment to 5.5%, compared with Trading Economics consensus estimates of 0.3% employment growth and a 5.4% jobless rate for the first quarter."We do not envisage a labor market recovery until 2027, reflective of adverse impacts from geopolitical ructions," CommBank said in a preview.The Philippines will similarly release labor data for March, as well as industrial production figures.ING said it expects unemployment to edge higher. "On the industry side, weak soft construction activity should continue to weigh on growth," ING said.Additional S&P Global PMI reports covering services and composite activity in India and China, as well as overall activity in Hong Kong and Singapore, will be due.A business confidence report will be due in Thailand, while Hong Kong's March retail sales figures will also be on display.THURSDAY, May 7Malaysia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision, with no change expected in the 2.75% policy rate.RHB Bank said it expects Bank Negara Malaysia to hold rates as growth remains steady and inflation remains in check, the Wall Street Journal reported.Taiwan's April inflation print will be due, with analysts looking for signs on how the Iran war was weighing in on prices. ING said it expects to see inflationary pressure picking up after limited pass through of energy prices in March.Australia will release March trade figures. The country's trade surplus could fall to A$4.45 billion from the A$5.69 billion recorded in the month prior, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.CommBank said it expects the goods trade balance to decline due to rising fuel imports in the wake of the Iran conflict.The Philippines' first-quarter GDP growth figures will be expected. ING said the Philippines' economy could recover to a growth of 4.3% year on year thanks to favorable base effects and some pick-up in government spending.The Philippines' economy grew by 3% last quarter.Another confidence report covering consumer sentiment will be due in Thailand.FRIDAY, May 8Markets will be on the lookout for Taiwan's trade data for April.ING said it expects the island state's trade surplus to rise to $21.6 billion from $21.3 billion in the month prior. "We're looking for another strong month, with 59.3% YoY export growth and 35.5% import growth," ING said in a preview.In Malaysia, March industrial production figures will be due.S&P Global will release PMI reports covering services and composite activity in Japan.SATURDAY, May 9China will release its April trade data on Saturday.The world's second largest economy could record a surplus of $82.4 billion for the month, rising from $51.13 billion in March, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Analysts at DBS expect a sharp uptick in surplus, with export growth more than doubling to 8.4% from the 2.5% rise seen in March, the WSJ reported.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Southeast Asians Turn to New Crude Oil Suppliers Amid Middle East Crisis

Southeast Asian countries are changing where they buy crude oil, moving away from Gulf suppliers and turning to places like the US, Brunei and Libya, Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday, citing trade data and Kpler shipping figures.The shift comes as disruptions in Middle Eastern supply routes have hit flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing import-reliant economies such as Thailand and Vietnam to look for new sources. Thailand's imports from the UAE fell sharply in April, while shipments from Brunei and Libya increased, according to the report.Vietnam has also reworked its supply mix, with lower volumes from traditional suppliers offset by arrivals from countries including Angola, Argentina and the United States. Singapore has similarly cut reliance on Gulf crude, with most of its imports now sourced from the US, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

ADB Commits $70 Billion Investment in Asia Through 20235 to Boost Energy, Digital Infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank will inject $70 billion through 2035 to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on cross-border electricity trade and broader internet access.In the recent report on Monday, ADB President Masato Kanda said stronger regional connectivity will help lower costs and support growth. The bank plans to mobilize $50 billion under its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to link national grids, scale up renewable energy use, and build transmission lines, substations and storage.A further $20 billion will go towards the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, funding fibre networks, data centres and other digital systems. By 2035, the projects aim to connect 200 million people to power, widen broadband access, and generate jobs across the region, the report said.

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International

Vietnam's Inflation Accelerates to 5.46% in April

Vietnam's consumer price index (CPI) rose 5.46% year on year in April, faster than the 4.65% growth in the previous month, according to data from the country's General Statistics Office on Monday.Monthly, the CPI edged up 0.84%, the data showed.Core inflation, which excludes selected food and energy items, stood at 3.89% in April.In the first four months of 2026, the CPI rose 3.99% on average, compared with the same period last year.

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International

Vietnam's Industrial Production Growth Accelerates to 9.9% in April

Vietnam's industrial production index (IIP) rose 9.9% year on year in April, according to data from the country's General Statistics Office on Monday.The pace of growth accelerated from the 6.9% expansion in March.On a month-over-month basis, the index increased 3% in April from March, recovering from the 18.8% drop between February and March.By sector, manufacturing and processing output grew 10% year on year, while electricity production and distribution rose 10.9%.Mining output increased 7.6%, while water supply, waste management and treatment activities climbed 7.1%, the data showed.

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International

Vietnam's Manufacturing Growth Slows as Costs Hit 15-Year High, S&P Global Says

Vietnam's manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in April as new orders fell and cost pressures surged, according to data released Monday by S&P Global.The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.5 in April from 51.2 in March, a seven-month low, signalling a tenth straight month of expansion but only marginal growth.New orders declined for the first time in eight months, with export orders falling for a second consecutive month amid higher transportation costs.Output continued to rise for the twelfth month, though growth eased to a ten-month low as rising costs, supply shortages, and market instability linked to the Middle East war weighed on activity.Input costs rose at the fastest pace in 15 years, driven by higher fuel, oil, and transportation costs, prompting firms to raise selling prices at the sharpest rate since April 2011.Firms cut employment, purchasing activity and inventories, while supplier delivery times lengthened sharply and business confidence weakened to a seven-month low

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US Markets

ADB Pledges $70 Billion For Energy, Digital Networks Across APAC as Middle East Conflict Batters Outlook

The Asian Development Bank is committing $70 billion to support new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.ADB President Masato Kanda announced the pledge on Sunday during the lender's annual meeting in Uzbekistan."Energy and digital access will define the region's future," said Kanda. "These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of people."The pledge comes as the ADB sharply downgraded its forecast for the APAC region, citing energy disruptions from the ongoing Middle East conflict.On Wednesday, the ADB slashed its GDP growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.7% in 2026 from the previous 5.1% forecast.Inflation for 2026 is projected to accelerate to 5.2% in 2026 from 3% in 2025, before easing to 4.1% in 2027."Our revised outlook is a significant downward revision for growth and a sharp increase in inflation following a special update to reflect the deepening crisis," Kanda said at the time.The bank's new outlook assumes that oil prices average around $96 a barrel in 2026, well above the $69 per barrel average in January and February before the Middle East conflict. The bank expects oil prices to ease to around $80 per barrel in 2027."We are confronting systemic, long-lasting disruptions to global energy and trade networks, not just temporary volatility. ADB will remain an agile partner in protecting the region's economy; tracking fast-moving risks, and moving with urgency to scale up our support," Kanda added.Diesel prices across several Southeast Asian countries have increased by more than 100% since late February, the ADB said in its updated outlook report.The ADB also noted in its Wednesday report that the energy shock is also affecting fertilizer prices, which it said could add to food inflation, particularly for economies most dependent on Middle East imports.Against that backdrop, the ADB is committing $70 billion to build new energy and digital infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific by 2035.The largest investment, worth $50 billion, will be allocated towards cross-border power infrastructure to unlock renewable energy at scale, the ADB said.The project will focus on transmission and grid integration, including cross-border lines, substations, storage, and grid digitalization, according to the lender.By 2035, the bank aims to integrate about 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, connect 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, and cut regional power sector emissions by 15%, while improving energy access for around 200 million people.The remaining $20 billion will fund the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, targeting digital corridors, data infrastructure, and AI-ready economies.The project aims to bring first-time broadband access to 200 million people and cut connectivity costs in remote and landlocked areas by about 40%.The South Korean government will back a new Center for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul with a $20 million contribution. The center will aim to train about 3 million people in digital and AI-related skills by 2035.Separately on Sunday, the ADB also unveiled a Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility designed to help the region move beyond mining into higher-value industries such as processing, manufacturing, and recycling.Japan committed $20 million to the grant window, the UK contributed $1.6 million, and the Korea Eximbank and the Korean Trade Insurance Corporation each signed $500 million memorandums as the facility's first partners.

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Asia

Middle East War Poses Greatest Credit Risk for Asia-Pacific's Financial Institutions, S&P Says

The Middle East war's spillover effects serve as the largest credit risk for Asia-Pacific financial institutions, S&P Global Ratings said in a Thursday release.The region's banks are not directly exposed to the Middle East, while indirect exposure is manageable, S&P Asia-Pacific sector lead for financial institutions Gavin Gunning said.Lenders also have ample buffers to absorb linked constraints at current rating levels under a scenario of a deal that will open the Strait of Hormuz by the end of May, Gunning said.However, a downside scenario of a prolonged conflict could cause a 25% rise in credit losses for banks, S&P said.This scenario would mean larger increases in credit losses to total loans in Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, the rating agency said.China will account for the largest share in the total forecast credit losses at about $130 billion.Other countries' banking systems will be stronger at current rating levels, given their buffers, S&P said.Nonbank fund finance will remain a talking point, albeit being more muted, especially for US funds amid uncertainties in the software sector, the rating agency said.Al is also a major concern given the diverging impact it has on the ratings of the region's financial institutions in the coming years, according to S&P.

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International

ADB Cuts Economic Growth Projections for Developing Asia Amid Middle East Crisis

The Asian Development Bank sharply downgraded its economic growth forecasts for developing Asia and the Pacific while raising inflation projections, citing prolonged disruptions from the Middle East conflict that are driving up energy prices and tightening financial conditions.The bank now expects regional growth of 4.7% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027, down from its earlier forecast of 5.1% for both years. Meanwhile, inflation is projected to accelerate to 5.2% this year before slowing to 4.1% in 2027, according to the latest ADB report.ADB said the revisions reflect sustained pressure on oil and gas prices, with crude expected to average about $96 per barrel in 2026, significantly higher than pre-conflict levels, weighing on fuel-importing economies.Under a more severe scenario, growth could ease further to 4.2% this year and 4% next year, while inflation may spike to 7.4% in 2026, the bank added, urging targeted fiscal support and measured monetary responses.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Idemitsu Kosan to Supply Nearly 4 Million Barrels of Crude Oil to Vietnam

Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan (TYO:5019) will supply Vietnam with around 4 million barrels of crude oil via shipping routes that avoid the Strait of Hormuz, the Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday.The crude, sourced from the Middle East, will be refined in Vietnam and supports both domestic fuel supply and plastic feedstock production used in Japan-bound exports, reportedly.The shipment equals roughly 10 days of Vietnam's crude consumption and is expected to help maintain operations at key refineries, including the Nghi Son complex in Thanh Hoa province, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Market Chatter: Vietnamese Firms, South Korea Enter 73 Agreements for Cooperation

Vietnamese firms and South Korea signed 73 contracts in the technology, energy, and infrastructure niches on Thursday, Reuters reported the same day citing a list of the agreements.The move came after Vietnam and South Korea entered into 12 MoUs on Wednesday for mutual long-term cooperation during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Hanoi.The non-binding agreements reportedly include a potential nuclear plant investment in southern Vietnam, as well as the development of LNG and wind power projects. The deals also cover MoUs for data center development in Vietnam, and cooperation in the semiconductor, rail, and unmanned submarine and surface vehicle niches, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Market Chatter: Vietnam, South Korea Sign 12 MoUs to Boost Cooperation

Vietnamese President To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have called for increased collaboration between the countries in summit talks in Hanoi on Wednesday, The Chosun Daily reported Thursday.The two countries entered 12 MoUs to boost cooperation in various niches, including nuclear power, electricity, and infrastructure. The aim is to boost the value of bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030 from $94.6 billion in 2025, according to the report.The parties have initially agreed to financial cooperation for Vietnam's nuclear power plant construction project, the report stated.An agreement for the export of railway vehicles from South Korea for Ho Chi Minh City's urban railway is expected to be signed Thursday. Hyundai Rotem is also looking to enter a 5.1 trillion Korean won contract with Tac Group in Vietnam for the export of unmanned electric trains.South Korean companies may become part of a 1.1 trillion Korean won Southeast New City project and 100 billion Korean won-scale Jabin New Airport construction, according to The Chosun Daily.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Market Chatter: Vietnam to Extend Fuel Import Waiver Until End-June

Vietnam is looking to extend its fuel import tariff waiver until the end of June to ease pressure on domestic industries, The Bangkok Post reported Monday, citing state media.The measure, first introduced in early March, is pending legal review and is expected to lower government revenue by about 2.02 trillion dong. Authorities are also considering a temporary removal of import duties on key fuel inputs such as naphtha, reformate and condensate, reportedly.In a separate move, the government plans to prolong reduced taxes on electric vehicles through 2030 to boost adoption.The proposal will be sent to parliament as Vietnam pushes to expand EV use and cut emissions, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Market Chatter: World Bank Hints at Up to $100 Billion to Aid War-Impacted Economies

The World Bank could mobilize between $80 billion and $100 billion over the next 15 months to support countries impacted by the Middle East conflict, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing President Ajay Banga.The package, which exceeds the deployment during COVID-19, would include $20 billion to $25 billion in near-term support through a crisis response window, alongside $30 billion to $40 billion from reallocating existing programs within about six months. Additional resources could be tapped from the bank's balance sheet if the conflict persists, reportedly.IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the outlook depends on how long the conflict continues, and urged governments to use targeted support instead of broad energy subsidies to manage higher costs, the news agency said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

IMF Lowers 2026 Growth Outlook for Most Asian Economies Amid Middle East War

The International Monetary Fund has lowered its growth estimates for most Asian economies for 2026, according to a recent release.The organization revised down its growth outlook for emerging Asian economies to 4.9% from a previous prospect of 5% in January, which was before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.Growth for the group will continue to decline to 4.8% in 2027, the IMF said.The organization projects China's economy growing 4.4% this year and 4% next year, while India will post growth of 6.5% for the next two years.Cumulative growth among Southeast Asia's five biggest economies, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, will fall to 3.7% in 2026 from 4.9%, although this will recover to 4.7% next year, the organization said.Individually, Vietnam will post the strongest growth of 7.1%, although this is still lower than the 8% growth last year.The rest of the economies in the group will also see lower growth, with Indonesia at 5%, Malaysia at 4.7%, the Philippines at 4.1%, and Thailand at 1.5%.Among advanced economies in Asia-Pacific, Korea's growth will rise to 1.9% from 1% last year, while that of Australia will remain flat at 2%.Japan's growth will slow down to 0.7% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027 from 1.2% last year, according to the IMF.Taiwan will see lower expansion of 5.2% from 8.7% in 2025, while Singapore's growth will come to 3.5%, down from 5% last year.Hong Kong will also observe lower growth of 2.4%, compared to 3.5% in 2025.The IMF forecasts global economic growth to weaken to 3.1% this year from 3.4% last year, accounting for the impacts of the continued conflict in the Middle East.

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