IMF, Malaysia Central Bank Revise 2025 Growth Outlooks

The IMF has raised its 2025 economic growth forecast for Malaysia to 4.5%, citing stronger-than-expected activity and improved global trade, while Bank Negara Malaysia has lowered its own projection to a range of 4% to 4.8% due to ongoing trade and tariff uncertainties, including the risk of a 25% U.S. tariff on Malaysian exports. Thailand's finance ministry now expects 2.2% growth in 2025, with a 5.5% rise in exports but fewer tourists than anticipated. The IMF projects 4% growth for Egypt in the fiscal year ending June 2025, though current-year forecasts have been trimmed due to delays in reforms tied to an $8 billion support package. The IMF has also upgraded its 2025 outlook for the Middle East and North Africa, attributing this to improved prospects for oil exporters and a softer U.S. dollar. Across emerging markets, the IMF emphasizes the need for transparent trade policies and pragmatic cooperation to support economic momentum amid global uncertainties. The forecasts reflect a broad reassessment of growth prospects in the face of evolving international conditions.