External strains building in North Africa

The Gulf stands to benefit from the war in Ukraine. Oil output is likely to be raised more quickly, while higher energy prices will boost export revenues by around 10% of GDP this year, providing some scope for fiscal loosening. In contrast, most of the non-Gulf economies will see current account positions deteriorate. Egypt responded to these strains by (finally) devaluing the pound this month, while Tunisia is facing growing pressure on its currency, which makes a sovereign default increasingly likely.