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International Monetary Fund (IMF)

International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Latest news, features and opinion on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The 189-nation IMF promotes global monetary cooperation, facilities trade, encourages sustainable growth and makes funds available to countries experiencing fiscal difficulties.
Copper smelting at an underground copper mine. Pakistan’s Reko Diq project is expected to yield 13.1 million tonnes of copper over its 37-year lifespan. Photo: AFP
Pakistan

Pakistan’s mining push: a chance to equal Indonesia’s nickel success?

A landmark deal unlocking vast copper and gold reserves has Pakistan eyeing a transformative economic shift.

Banking & finance

Macroscope | A world economy on the brink could use some win-win cooperation

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US-China relations

Brics countries eye mechanism to help global economy: Brazilian official

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Banking & finance

Opinion | Trump wants a great monetary reset. Where can the world hide?

As the US tries to reset the dollar-dominated monetary order, those seeking safety should consider a historical alternative to the dollar.

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Gold bars in a vault in the US Mint in West Point, New York. Photo: AP
China economy

China should boost consumption to offset slowdown and US trade war, IMF says

Having cut China’s growth forecast, fund officials also suggest stronger social protections and doing more to address property sector woes.

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US-China trade war

US Treasury head calls tariff war with China unsustainable and says it will ease

Negotiations with Beijing have yet to start, Scott Bessent adds, voicing belief in a possible deal as markets surge on report.

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China GDP

IMF slashes GDP growth estimates for China, US and world as trade tensions rise

Outlook for American economy this year took a hit during the first quarter, according to the latest World Economic Outlook report.

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Shipping containers are seen stacked at a port in Shanghai on Sunday. The International Monetary Fund now expects China’s economy to grow by just 4 per cent this year as trade tensions with the United States persist. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Opinion | How to find a face-saving way out of the US-China trade war

Beijing has no interest in being seen to be begging for a deal. It’s in regional players’ interest to help avert a full-blown trade war.

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Yuan

Yuan trade settlements on rise amid ‘soaring volatility’ in US Treasury market

Washington’s policies seen opening door to greater yuan internationalisation, undermining but not removing US dollar’s dominance in global trade.

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United States

Macroscope | IMF’s tariff warnings may be too little, too late

The Trump administration has brought the world to the brink of a systemic financial and economic crisis.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva delivers a speech ahead of next week’s World Bank Group and IMF 2025 spring meetings, at the IMF headquarters in Washington on April 17. Photo: EPA-EFE
United States

Opinion | Trump’s bullying raises the prospect of a US gone rogue

The US president’s chaotic approach is not restricted to trade and could throw the rules-based international order into crisis.

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Donald Trump figurines displayed at a shop at the Yiwu International Trade Market in China’s eastern Zhejiang province on April 10. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

IMF sees US-China trade grievances, welcomes India tariff cuts

Speaking in Washington, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said world’s 2 largest economies need to agree on fairer, rules-based trading system.

Americas and the Caribbean

Argentina seals US$20 billion IMF deal, tears down currency controls

The IMF will first disburse US$12 billion, with another US$2 billion by June, as Argentina’s central bank set to undo fixed currency peg.

US-China relations

US pressures Argentina’s Milei to scrap currency swap accord with China

Trump adviser says Washington would withhold support for Buenos Aires loan request to IMF if it reinforces China’s ‘position’ in Argentina.

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Argentina’s President Javier Milei delivers a speech during a ceremony to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the war between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Malvinas/Falkland Islands at the Cenotaph to the Fallen of the Malvinas War in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
China economy

Opinion | Despite hurdles, China’s ambition for global leadership role is clear

From the ‘two sessions’ to Boao Forum, Beijing is promoting tech independence, green innovation and support for developing nations.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s ‘remittance warriors’ deliver record US$3 billion boost

The surge in money being sent home by overseas workers is a vote of confidence in Muhammad Yunus’ transitional government, observers say.

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Indonesia

Can Indonesia pivot towards the Middle East and diversify from China, US?

With a focus on trade, infrastructure and defence, Indonesia aims to leverage the region’s substantial wealth and cultural ties.

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Sri Lanka

From crisis to comeback? Sri Lanka’s new budget bets big on trade and investment

Analysts say the budget’s approach is surprising for the leftist ruling party, but an encouraging sign of its pragmatic stance.

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Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (left) presenting the 2025 budget proposal to parliament in Colombo on February 17. Photo: EPA-EFE
Asean

Opinion | Trump is bringing the trade war to Southeast Asia. Asean must act

Unless nations can work together to blunt the worst effects, the region may have to live with slower growth for years to come.

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Infrastructure

Macroscope | How can cash-strapped states pay for expensive infrastructure?

Many governments have difficulty funding basic needs while meeting global challenges like climate change. Meanwhile, businesses freeload.

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US-China relations

US Treasury Secretary Bessent to hold first call with China counterpart

Bessent said one message will be that ‘we really want to put a stop’ to the inflow of precursor ingredients for fentanyl from China.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Photo: AFP / Getty Images / TNS
Banking & finance

Macroscope | Why Asian central banks are starting to decouple from the Fed

Eager to boost domestic demand and more able to preserve financial stability, the region’s policymakers are embracing greater monetary independence.

A teller counts Indonesian rupiah bank notes in Jakarta, Indonesia, in October 2022. Photo: Reuters
Banking & finance

In Saudi Arabia, China pushes for a new global financial consensus

China’s central bank governor has offered to deepen financial ties with emerging economies and help them gain a greater voice in the IMF.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka scraps pandemic-era ban on vehicle imports to reap tax rewards

Vehicle imports were banned in 2020 to save foreign exchange reserves, but the move deprived authorities of a lucrative revenue stream.

Brics

Brics summit to tackle AI governance, global health and financial reform: Brazil

Note from bloc’s chair this year reflects plan to promote equitable global governance rather than control by ‘just big corporations’.

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will lead the next annual Brics summit in July. Photo: Reuters
Ecuador

Leftist surge pushes Ecuador presidential race toward run-off

Ecuador’s conservative incumbent Daniel Noboa led leftist Luisa González by less than 1 per cent in close race.

Incumbent Daniel Noboa led leftist Luisa Gonzalez by less than 1 per cent. Photo: AFP
Belt and Road Initiative

China-Pakistan ties: presidents to focus on terrorism and economy

Asif Ali Zardari will arrive in China on Tuesday and is expected to discuss with Xi Jinping safeguarding China’s presence in the region.

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Singapore

Singapore’s president cites global ‘mistakes’ as inflation worries Davos

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a veteran economist and ex-finance minister, said that inflation would be lower if not for 15 years of mistakes.

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