Given the weak outlook for commodity prices over the coming years, particularly for energy and metals, those economies dependent on commodities exports to finance the majority of their budgets could face growth challenges for years to come, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned in a new study published this week.

Research carried out by the IMF as part of its 2015 World Economic Outlook (WEO), suggests that the recent slide in global commodity prices could translate into a one percentage point decrease in the growth rate of commodity exporters’ economies over the 2015-17 period, relative to 2012-14. And the impact of lower prices on energy exporters is projected to be even more severe: a 2.25 percentage point decrease on average per year. (CONTINUED - 1066 WORDS)