EDC Economic Outlook: USMCA a relief, but global growth still faces headwinds

Populism, protectionism, and the changing nature of global trade

OTTAWA, Oct. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - While the negotiation of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a huge relief to Canadian exporters, the global threats of protectionism, populism, and rising interest rates continue to complicate decision-making.

Still, the economics team at Export Development Canada sees hope in its biannual Global Economic Outlook, forecasting global growth to increase by 3.2 per cent in 2019, a repeat of 2018 performance.

"Growth is strong – powered principally by the U.S. economy – and it's spreading," said Peter Hall, Chief Economist at EDC. "There is a lot of evidence that this has spurred activity in Europe and is making its way into the emerging economies. But the best part is, it's sustainable. While a growing chorus of analysts disagrees, evidence of developed-world pent-up demand cannot be denied."

Global Economic Outlook Highlights:

• U.S. growth will accelerate from 3 per cent this year to 3.3 per cent in 2019
• Emerging markets will collectively grow by 4.7 per cent in 2018, and down a shade next year to 4.6 per cent as China eases marginally
• With stable commodity prices and a currency that will rise modestly through next year, Canada should see GDP increase by another 2.1 per cent in 2019

Danger Zones

Uncertainty on the trade policy front is undoubtedly creating an investment hesitation at a precarious moment: growth and looming capacity constraints are crying out for increased physical investment. The newly minted USMCA removes the largest piece of uncertainty for companies in this region, but protectionism is still alive and well in other arenas – and with it, doubts that inhibit trade-related activities.

At the same time, higher interest rates are a reality that an entire generation has never had to deal with.

"Adjustment will be hard enough in developed markets, but larger, destabilizing swings in the emerging world will be with us for some time to come," said Hall.  "Managing through these issues will be a near-term strategic imperative."

The Canadian Story

Canadian exporters have the opportunity to take advantage of the moment. Sustained economic growth means increased demand for products and services. The United States will continue to be our strongest trading partner, especially with the increased certainty of a new trade agreement. At the same time, for companies considering diversification, strong growth coupled with new trade agreements in Asia and Europe offer up great potential.

Export growth prospects will help to keep Canada's consumer sector expanding, in spite of elevated personal debt levels and an overheated housing market. Higher interest rates will further limit domestic growth, although rate hikes will be more gradual in Canada than in the US.

As for the Canadian dollar, EDC Economics forecasts it will average US$ 0.79 in 2019.

About EDC

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation that helps Canadian companies of all sizes go, grow and succeed beyond Canada's borders. We are international risk experts, equipping Canadian companies with the tools they need – trade knowledge, financing solutions, insurance and global connections – to take on the world with confidence. EDC also builds financial relationships with foreign buyers to generate opportunities for Canadian companies.

For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-888-434-8508 or visit www.edc.ca.

SOURCE Export Development Canada

Spokesperson: Shelley Maclean, Export Development Canada, [phone], [email protected]