ARTICLES

12 Jan 2026

From Megatrends to Action: Rethinking Industrial Policy in Southeast Asia

Marco Kamiya

A UNIDO report provides key insights into how forward-looking industrial policies can help countries go down a clean and just industrialisation pathway. Southeast Asia has a vital role here.

26 Dec 2025

2025 Top 10

Southeast Asia’s Economic Performance in 2024 and Outlook for 2025: Navigating Rising Risks

Jayant Menon

The region is finally showing clear signs of recovery from the multi-year pandemic but 2025 portends more serious headwinds against which regional governments and businesses will have to steer.

2025 Top 10 Economy Southeast Asia Trade

12 Dec 2025

Economic Gravity: The Rise of Asian Cities’ Powerhouses

Marco Kamiya

Urbanisation in Southeast Asia is now one of the region’s most powerful yet under-recognised industrial policy tools. Urban planners and economists need to work together to unlock the potential of the region’s cities.

Economy Indonesia Malaysia Singapore Southeast Asia Thailand Vietnam

20 Nov 2025

Southeast Asian Countries Engaging in Export Circumvention: Not So Fast

Archanun Kohpaiboon|Ratchanon Ketramrit

The Trump administration has threatened to levy an additional 40 per cent reciprocal tariffs on transshipments to the US. The logic for doing this is not so clear cut.

China Economy Southeast Asia Tariffs Trade U.S.

11 Nov 2025

Amid the Uncertainty of US Tariffs, Asian Exporters Are Forging Ahead

Jayant Menon

Amid the gloom brought about by the US’ reciprocal tariffs, there appears to be a glimmer of hope for Asian exporters.

Economy Southeast Asia Tariffs U.S.

30 Oct 2025

Restoring Multilateralism: Can Regional Cooperation Arrangements Fill the Void?

Jayant Menon

With the US backing out of multilateral trade deals, there is a possibility that the EU could link up with two expansive networks – the CPTPP and RCEP – to form a mega trading bloc.

ASEAN Economy EU-ASEAN Relations European Union

30 Oct 2025

Trump’s Tariffs Will Withstand the Supreme Court

Stephen Olson

A decades-long governance evolution in the US has vested the Executive Branch with tremendous power when it comes to trade.

Economy U.S.

29 Oct 2025

Towards a New Flying Geese Model in Southeast Asia

Marco Kamiya

Southeast Asian economies and other Asian countries are grappling with tremors in industrial structures due to tariffs and supply chain disruptions. It would be helpful to revisit the Flying Geese model to understand industrial transformation and development.

China Economy Southeast Asia

27 Oct 2025

Advancing RCEP Integration: Forging a More Resilient and Inclusive Economic Future

Tham Siew Yean

The potential of RCEP can only be unlocked when micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which constitute the backbone of the ASEAN economies, can navigate and utilise its provisions with ease.

ASEAN ASEAN Summit Economy RCEP

23 Sep 2025

For Myanmar’s Garment Sector, Tariffs are a Setback, not a Knockout Blow

Jared Bissinger

Shielded by ultra-low wages and duty-free access to the EU market, Myanmar’s garment industry may be able to weather President Trump’s steep “reciprocal” tariffs.

Economy Myanmar Myanmar Economy