Asian currencies eased on Wednesday as investors braced for a steep economic slump in the wake of lockdowns in many countries to contain the coronavirus' spread, although losses were limited by the US Federal Reserve's move to increase dollar liquidity.
The Fed on Tuesday broadened the ability of dozens of foreign central banks to access US dollars during the coronavirus crisis by allowing them to exchange their holdings of US Treasury securities for overnight dollar loans.
The South Korean won dropped 0.3% to 1,221.40 against the greenback.
South Korea's factory activity fell at its fastest pace in 11 years in March, according to a private survey, while trade ministry data showed exports slipped as the coronavirus ravaged the global economy and supply chains.
The Singapore dollar eased 0.3%, while the Malaysian ringgit erased early gains to trade 0.2% lower.
The Thai baht dipped 0.2%, while the Taiwan dollar and the Philippine peso were little changed.
Taiwan raised its estimate to $35 billion for how much it would spend to help the economy deal with the impact of the coronavirus.
The Indian foreign exchange market was closed for a holiday.
Leading declines in the region, the rupiah fell 0.8% to 16,430 a dollar. It has weakened about 15% so far this year, making it Asia's worst performer.
Foreigners sold $7.1 billion worth of Indonesian bonds last month as of March 30, the highest in a month since at least 2010.