In times of geopolitical uncertainty, regional unity is the surest path forward. In July, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) released its updated outlook for the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus China, Japan and South Korea. AMRO revised down its growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 to 3.8% and 3.6%, respectively, and highlighted the urgent need for greater regional integration.
Amid rising global turmoil, particularly surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures, ASEAN+3 countries have demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the first half of 2025, growth was buoyed by front-loaded exports, as businesses rushed to ship goods ahead of anticipated U.S. tariff hikes. But this boost is expected to be short-lived and its positive impact is already beginning to fade.
The unpredictability of Trump’s trade and economic policies has made planning increasingly difficult for businesses. Moreover, bilateral negotiations with the U.S. administration have been marked by volatility and confusion, with tariff rates changing abruptly and without warning.
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