The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow 5.7 per cent this year, predicts the Asian Development Bank. For 2020, the region is forecasted to grow 5.6 per cent, which would be the slowest since 2001. The trade conflict between China and the United States could undermine investment and growth. Uncertainties stemming from US fiscal policy and a possible disorderly Brexit are other risks.

China’s economy will probably grow 6.3 per cent this year. Beyond trade risks, China’s growth will also be retrained by restrictions on shadow banking, which is expected to limit credit expansion even as fiscal stimulus provides some offset. By region, South Asia will remain the fastest growing in Asia Pacific, with the Asian Development Bank predicting an expansion of 6.8 per cent this year and 6.9 per cent next year. From an estimated seven per cent growth in 2018, India's economy is projected to expand at a faster pace of 7.2 per cent in 2019 and 7.3 per cent in 2020 as lower policy rates and income support to farmers boost domestic demand.

This year’s growth forecast for Southeast Asia has been trimmed to 4.9 per cent from an earlier estimate of 5.1 per cent as Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand are expected to grow slower than previously thought.