Many ASEAN economies depend on trade, including with the US. With ASEAN’s production networks spanning borders, uneven national outcomes could disrupt trade and investment across the region.
In a commentary for The Business Times, “ASEAN’s best defence against US tariff turmoil lies close to home,” Thailand’s Vice-Minister for Commerce Dr Kirida Bhaopichitr and SIIA Chairman Simon Tay argue that ASEAN should look closer to home and deepen regional integration. They highlight opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas such as energy, digital connectivity and food security, while building greater resilience to external economic shocks.
“ASEAN cannot prevent the rules from changing elsewhere. But it can make its own market work better,” they write. “In a ‘minus two’ world, that may be its most practical defence.”
Read the full commentary: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/aseans-best-defence-against-us-tariff-turmoil-lies-close-home
