The impact of Omicron on EM trade

If the new Omicron variant leads to tighter containment measures across the world, that would probably prop up demand for pandemic-related goods to the benefit of Asian exporters. Meanwhile, oil producers are likely to see external positions deteriorate if the plunge in prices is sustained. But arguably the most clear point for now is that the new variant will lead to renewed slumps in tourism, adding to balance of payments risks in the likes of Tunisia and Sri Lanka.