EM Asia export weakness unlikely to dissipate soon

SINGAPORE - Export growth of emerging markets in Asia has slowed sharply in recent months, and the near-term outlook remains challenging, according to a research note from ANZ Bank, which says the export weakness is broad-based across the region and reflects both slower export price and volume growth.

"Weaker global demand was the main factor behind the slowdown, though the US-China trade war also played a role," says ANZ. A slew of data releases today suggests an imminent recovery is not on the cards."

ANZ says US-China trade negotiations which took place on January 30 and 31 reportedly made good progress. "But while a deal would mean one less headwind for Asian exporters, they would still need to grapple with slowing global growth." www.live.anz.com (ATI).