The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautioned that escalating trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs could undermine Asia's economic outlook by raising costs and disrupting supply chains. Despite expecting the region to remain a key driver of global growth, the IMF highlighted risks that could impede economic performance across Asia. In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF forecasts global economic growth at 3.2% for both 2024 and 2025, while projecting Asia's growth at 4.6% this year and 4.4% next year. The organisation noted that uncertainties in monetary policies of advanced economies could affect financial decisions in Asia, influencing capital flows and exchange rates.