Trade Tracker

Thai sugar producers, including Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Plc, are concerned that an impending El Niño could severely disrupt sugar cane plantations during the 2026-27 crop year.

Cambodia's total trade turnover reached $44.07 billion in the first seven months of 2026, marking a 21.3% year-on-year increase and resulting in a trade deficit of $2.44 billion.

Container shipping giant Maersk, a bellwether for trade, reported Q2 profit that beat forecasts and raised its outlook for 2026.

Vietnam's textile and garment exports reached an estimated US$4.7 billion in July, up 4.3% year-on-year. Total exports for the first seven months of the year reached $27 billion.

The first Thailand Content Market 2026 generated approximately 9.8 billion baht in trade negotiations across films, animation, Boys' Love and Girls' Love series, production services, games, and content services.

China's durian imports from Vietnam jumped by 43% to US$988 million in the first half of 2026, with strong growth expected to continue after a huge harvest.

Singapore Exchange (SGX) is exploring single-stock ETFs and tie-ups as strategies for growth. Singapore stocks have reached multiple record highs in 2026.

Singapore upgrades its 2026 key exports growth forecast to 14-16%, driven by electronics-led outperformance in the first half of the year. Q2 NODX growth was 27.4%, following 9.6% in the previous quarter.

The Thai government plans to leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) to help businesses integrate into global supply chains, expand export markets, and attract investment.

The Philippines' agricultural trade deficit widened to $1.06 billion in June as higher farm imports outpaced exports, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Malaysia aims for leadership in advanced packaging within the global chip industry, moving beyond traditional assembly, testing, and packaging, driven by AI.

The El Niño phenomenon is projected to assist Thailand in reaching its rice export target of 7 million tonnes for the current year.

The ASEAN Secretary-General participated in the 8th ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM+3) meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia, focusing on innovation for better service delivery.

Vietnam's durian exports could reach a new high of $4.5 billion by 2026 due to improved market access and streamlined export procedures.

Malaysia and the Philippines are strengthening their digital partnership, with Malaysia promoting trade and investment in the digital economy through an investment briefing hosted by its embassy for the Malaysia Digital Economy Corp. (MDEC).

President Prabowo Subianto's plan to take control of Indonesia's top commodity exports is facing competing visions within the agency tasked with its implementation.

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade is expanding its export market penetration into Central Asia and Africa to boost the country's exports.

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade is expanding export market penetration into Central Asia and Africa to boost economic growth, identifying these as major markets.

Malaysia's export outlook is expected to remain resilient despite new US tariff measures, with economists anticipating the country's semiconductor-led trade to withstand the impact.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with H.E. Agustinho Letencio De Deus, President of the Civil Service Commission of Timor-Leste, during the Heads of Civil Service Meeting for the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM).

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, gave an interview to the Ministry of Civil Service of Cambodia, sharing his views on the achievements of the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) during meetings in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - National Capital Region (PCCI-NCR) will host the Metro Manila Business Conference in 2026, gathering business and government leaders to discuss solutions for energy, trade, security, AI, and regional competitiveness.

Thailand's rice exports are projected to reach 7 million tonnes this year, a 15% decrease from 8.3 million tonnes in 2025. Efforts are being made to increase shipments to Malaysia and the Philippines due to growing demand in those markets.

A US tariff impacts S$9.5 billion of Singapore's domestic exports, according to Gan Kim Yong. None of Singapore's 60 trading partners are fully exempt, and securing a lower tariff rate would involve wider compliance and trade implications.

Report on which Southeast Asian nations are succeeding in the semiconductor industry, as six of 11 ASEAN countries make concerted efforts to develop their roles in the sector in 2026.

New US tariffs targeting seven Southeast Asian nations are raising concerns over regional trade stability and perceptions of the US as a reliable economic partner for ASEAN.

Vietnam urges the US to conclude its trade investigation as government data shows the US trade deficit with Vietnam reached $75.3 billion in the first half of 2026, a 21% annual increase.

The Philippines and Canada are scheduled to hold their next round of free trade agreement (FTA) talks in September, aiming to conclude negotiations within the year.

ASEAN and China are negotiating to upgrade the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) with the goal of enactment by the end of this year.

Experts at the Gori Global Logistics Summit 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City discussed cross-border logistics, digital adoption, and market entry strategies for the U.S. to strengthen Vietnam's cross-border trade.

Vietnam's trade turnover reached US$659.58 billion in the first seven months of 2026, marking a 28.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Thailand and the European Union have finished negotiations on the state enterprises chapter for a proposed free trade agreement.

Indonesia's Agriculture Minister states that palm oil downstreaming is crucial for increasing the nation's exports.

Indonesia's rice production is estimated to increase by 0.2 percent in 2026/2027, potentially allowing for exports if global production falls.

Indonesia clarifies its rare earth export ban will target pure products, while 85 delayed shipments of nickel, tin, and other minerals are unblocked.

Malaysia is becoming a growth standout in Asia, driven by AI and chip industries, and is now one of the world's four largest net exporters of AI-related hardware.

Indonesia has allowed mineral exports to resume following delays related to rare-earth elements (REE) content, amid a rule revision.

Indonesia clarifies that its rare earth export ban will target pure products, as delayed shipments of nickel, tin, and other minerals are cleared.

President Prabowo's initiative aims to re-establish commodity oversight, reduce leakage, and enhance Indonesia's position in global supply chains. The effort focuses on addressing fragmented oversight.

The EU and Thailand should address migrant worker rights during trade negotiations to improve conditions and tackle abusive practices.

The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Political-Security Community met with the Minister of Interior of Timor-Leste in Dili to discuss cooperation under the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will welcome Thailand's Prime Minister, H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, to the ASEAN Headquarters on 4 August 2026. The visit includes a meeting with the Secretary-General and a Policy Speech by the Prime Minister.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended a welcome dinner hosted by the Ipoh City Council in Malaysia, providing an informal setting for ASEAN member states and China to dialogue and strengthen cooperation.

Indonesia lowered its August Crude Palm Oil (CPO) reference price to $996.52 per ton, which will lead to a reduction in the export duty on palm oil shipments.

Free Trade Agreements are projected to increase bilateral trade between India and the Philippines to $10 billion within the next five to six years.

India has approved the import of fresh durian from Vietnam, opening up a new market for Vietnamese exporters and reducing reliance on traditional destinations.

Thailand's steel industry faces challenges from global price volatility and increased competition due to Chinese exports, as reported by Tata Steel (Thailand) Plc.

More than 80% of Indonesia's palm oil exports are now downstream products, with palm oil being a leading export commodity that generates over $20 billion in annual revenue.

Indonesia is seeking increased investment from China to strengthen its horticultural supply chains and exports, including through joint projects related to durian.

Japan's Ambassador to ASEAN, Yonetani Koji, stated that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) requires stronger rules to address growing trade challenges.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.'s Wealth Management Group has been named Private Wealth Bank of the Year in the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Banking & Finance Awards, recognizing strong growth and client service.

Thailand's Gem and Jewellery Institute (GIT) signed an MoU with two Shanghai entities to help Thai gem and jewelry businesses expand exports to China.

The Philippines' trade deficit widened in June as imports outpaced record-high exports, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

German firm Aixtron signed an agreement with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority to build a $47 million semiconductor manufacturing facility in Malaysia.

Thai exports are expected to be negatively impacted by new 12.5% US tariffs, which could weaken export competitiveness and add pressure to economic growth in the second half, according to Asia Plus Securities (ASPS).

Thailand aims to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) by the end of this year, despite ongoing differences regarding agricultural products and raw materials.

Indonesia is scaling back a proposal to centralize the export of its strategic commodities after buyers and exporters raised concerns. This move includes tightening monitoring of exports.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, opened the Fifth ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme (AJFP) at the ASEAN Headquarters, a four-week initiative supported by Brunei Darussalam running from July 27 to August 21, 2026.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will participate in the 10th ASEAN Media Forum (AMF) in Manila, Philippines, from July 29-30, 2026. This event connects regional media leaders and chief editors.

Vietnam's durian exports are regaining momentum, with shipments expected to top US$2 billion by the end of July. Prices remain under pressure in China, the primary market.

Malaysia's economy is projected to benefit from the global AI investment boom, leading the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) to raise its 2026 growth forecast due to strong exports.

The United States and Thailand announced a framework for reciprocal trade, which includes the US maintaining a 19% tariff on Thai products and identifying specific products for trade.

Thailand's utilization of export privileges under free trade agreements (FTAs) continued to increase in April 2026, with shipments claiming preferential treatment valued at 31.77 billion USD.

Thailand's joint session of MPs and senators has approved the submission of five trade agreements, aiming to strengthen and expand the country's global trade links.

Economists anticipate that the impact of US forced labor tariffs on Singapore's economy will likely be contained, as exemptions for semiconductors and electronics are expected to maintain the city-state's export engine.

The US dollar firmed against the Vietnamese dong on Friday morning, trading at a three-week high against major currencies.

Thai exports to the US increased by nearly 34% year-on-year to a value of 2.13 trillion baht over the first nine months of the fiscal year, despite US tariff measures.

Singaporean businesses are affected by a new 12.5% US tariff, with approximately one-third of Singapore's domestic exports to the US subject to this Section 301 export tax.

The Malaysian government will work to reduce the impact of unilateral US trade measures to ensure the country remains an attractive investment destination for the semiconductor and E&E sectors.

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong stated Beijing respects Jakarta's decision to centralize strategic commodity exports through state-owned DSI, while also urging policy stability.

Exports of metal products from Indonesia are experiencing delays due to new checks on rare earths and radioactive elements like uranium, disrupting supplies from the commodity producer.

Report on the ASEAN Economic Community's significant formal progress, noting that tariffs on trade in goods were largely eliminated by 2018, marking a major milestone in regional integration, but indicating that rules of origin require reconsideration.

Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) raised Malaysia's 2026 GDP forecast to 4.7% due to stronger-than-expected electrical and electronics (E&E) exports and robust global semiconductor demand.

Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) exports rose 39.7% year-on-year to 382.9 billion MYR, with the Economy Minister speaking at a seminar in Kuala Lumpur on July 13 regarding the semiconductor industry.

Malaysia anticipates its electrical and electronics exports, which include semiconductors, could exceed 800 billion ringgit ($197 billion) in 2026, according to the nation's chip industry chief.

Malaysia's economic growth unexpectedly surged to 5.8%, driven by domestic demand and semiconductor exports, making it one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies.

Despite strong external trade performance, Malaysia's export growth is forecast to moderate in the second half of 2026 as frontloaded demand gradually fades, according to economists.

Malaysia's Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong proposed establishing a one-stop center for semiconductor and deep-tech financing in the Penang-Kulim area to boost the country's tech ambitions.

Indonesia accelerates the rollout of its single-gateway export system, administered by Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), a subsidiary of the sovereign wealth fund, to September 1.

Malaysia faces a new 10% tariff under the United States' Section 301 tariffs, reportedly due to alleged failure to impose and effectively enforce forced labor import rules. This is among the lowest tariffs faced by ASEAN countries under these new measures.

Malaysia faces a 10% duty under the US' new Section 301 tariffs due to its alleged failure to impose and effectively enforce forced labor import rules, making it among ASEAN countries with the lowest tariff under this measure.

Vietnam, a top apparel exporter to the US, faces higher US tariffs than its peers and risks eroding its competitiveness in the clothing sector. This is partly due to its exclusion from a mechanism that could mitigate these tariffs.

Indonesia's new export entity, Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), is projected to have only a limited short-term impact on the country's economy and commodity export market, according to RHB IB.

Indonesian metal exports are experiencing delays due to checks related to rare earths, which are prioritized for domestic use under a regulation issued last year.

Indonesia is implementing a one-stop export policy aimed at boosting the bargaining position of its commodities in the global market.

Indonesia's new plan to tighten oversight of strategic commodity exports through a state-linked monitoring framework is being scrutinized by Malaysia and traders, particularly concerning palm oil.

Indonesia's plan to centralize strategic commodity exports under a new state-controlled system is causing concern among businesses and investors.

Malaysia's exports are expected to moderate through the rest of 2026, following a strong performance in the first half of the year.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has downgraded Thailand's 2026 car manufacturing target due to the escalating Israel-US war on Iran, which is impacting Thai car exports to the Middle East.

The United States plans to impose new tariffs on 60 trading partners, including potentially ASEAN nations, citing concerns over forced labor, replacing a previous global duty.

The US has imposed a 12.5% tariff on Singaporean exports due to forced labor concerns, affecting one-third of the Republic's exports to the US.

The Thai private sector is optimistic that new US tariffs will not have a major impact on Thai exports, while urging the government to expedite trade negotiations to enhance competitiveness.

The Philippines secured a 145,235 metric ton raw value export quota for raw cane sugar to the United States, placing it as the second-highest allocated country.

Washington has exempted 2,120 Thai export products from an additional 12.5% tariff under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, accounting for more than half the value of Thailand's exports to the United States.

Economists suggest the impact of the US forced labour tariff on Singapore's economy will likely be contained, with exemptions for semiconductors and electronics expected to maintain export levels.

China's durian imports increased by 47% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, benefiting Thailand and Malaysia as Southeast Asian exporters moved excess supplies due to a price slump.

The US is pressing Vietnam on non-tariff trade barriers, economic security cooperation, and intellectual property issues during ongoing trade deal negotiations.

China-ASEAN trade reached 4.34 trillion RMB (approximately US$641 billion) in the first half of the year, an 18.2% increase from the previous year, demonstrating strong growth.

Cambodia's trade volume with RCEP member states increased by 24% year-on-year to US$24.4 billion in the first half of 2026.

A 2026 U.S. Trade Representative investigation into forced labor, potentially leading to Section 301 tariffs, is framed as a response to forced labor concerns affecting ASEAN.