Global Debt Crisis: Emerging Economies Face Liquidity Shortfall Amid Western Aid Reluctance
October 22, 2024Concerns are escalating regarding a potential liquidity shortfall in emerging economies, which threatens to impede development and climate change initiatives.
During the IMF World Bank autumn meetings in Washington, D.C., discussions are centered on addressing these liquidity challenges, particularly as Western nations show reluctance to provide overseas financial assistance.
In response to these challenges, the U.S. Treasury is advocating for innovative methods to support short-term liquidity for low- and middle-income nations to avert looming debt crises.
Christian Libralato from RBC BlueBay emphasized that increasing debt service costs and expensive borrowing are significant hurdles for many countries.
A troubling financial trend was highlighted in 2022 when 26 countries, including Angola and Nigeria, paid more in external debt servicing than they received in new financing.
Negative net transfers for developing countries are expected to worsen in 2023 and 2024, as noted by Ishak Diwan from the Finance for Development Lab.
China's reduction in lending has adversely affected emerging nations, transforming what were once positive cash flows into net outflows for debt repayment.
The wave of sovereign defaults following COVID-19, impacting nations like Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Zambia, appears to have peaked.
To combat these issues, the World Bank plans to increase its lending capacity by $30 billion over the next decade, while the IMF has reduced surcharges for overstretched borrowers.
Development banks are collaborating to enhance lending, including initiatives to convert IMF reserve assets into additional funding.
The current economic climate is contributing to protests across various countries, reflecting rising discontent and instability in the global south.
As debt-strapped countries like France and Britain cut back on foreign aid, pressure is mounting on Western nations to increase their financial contributions.
Summary based on 1 source
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Investing.com • Oct 21, 2024
Analysis-As poor nations' default wave peaks, cash shortage could take its place