Asia's Economic Outlook: Trade, Inflation, and Recovery Patterns in Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines

EUR/USD Rangebound Ahead of Data Releases and Rate Expectations

Korea trade and inflation data set for release

Exports in Korea are expected to contract again in June. But due to strong auto and vessels exports, the contraction (-6.4%) should be quite a bit lower than the previous month of -15.2% YoY. We think vessel exports should be strong this year due to the imminent delivery of pre-order ships, considering that the shipbuilding period is at least two-to-three years. But since this does not reflect the current global demand cycle, it is necessary to focus more on exports excluding ship data to understand global demand conditions better.

Meanwhile, we expect consumer inflation to decelerate quite sharply in June and reach the 2% range mainly due to the high base last year. The gains from utility fees should be partially offset by the decline in gasoline, fuel and rent prices.

 

Japan's Tankan survey to show economic recovery

Business survey data will be released in Japan next week. Both Tankan and PMI surveys will show that the country’s economy is on the path to recovery, led by solid service activity in particular.

 

Inflation to moderate further in Indonesia and the Philippines

Headline inflation is set to moderate further for both Indonesia and the Philippines. Inflation should remain within target in Indonesia, settling at 3.8%YoY, while core inflation could be flat at 2.7%YoY. Meanwhile, Philippine inflation should sustain its downtrend, with May inflation possibly slipping to 5.5%YoY from 6.1% previously. Slowing inflation should give both Bank Indonesia and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas space to keep rates untouched in the near term. 

 

Key events in Asia this week

EUR/USD Rangebound Ahead of Data Releases and Rate Expectations

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