According to a recent statement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emerging market and developing economies (EMDE) that rely heavily on commodity imports are experiencing the most significant adverse effects from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
During its Spring Meetings in Washington, the IMF projected that the growth rate for EMDEs would decline to 3.9% in 2026 and further to 4.2% in 2027.
The Fund highlighted that the depreciation of currencies could further intensify the challenges posed by rising prices for energy and food.
Additionally, the IMF revised its growth forecasts for China, now estimating a GDP growth of 4.4% in 2026 and 4.0% in 2027.
India’s growth projections were also adjusted, with expectations set at 6.5% for both 2026 and 2027.
Overall, the growth outlook for the broader emerging and developing Asia region has been lowered to 4.9% for 2026 and 4.8% for 2027.
(Colombo/April 15, 2026)
