Trade Tracker

An export clinic run by Barantin (presumably a government agency or similar) is assisting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Palu to understand and access export markets.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability and shared best environmental practices at the 2026 Environmental Summit in Laguna.

Thailand plans to showcase its products and tourism during the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok next month.

A Singapore judge has raised doubts about iron ore trader Radiant World's claim of being owed over $1.3 billion. Radiant World was placed under interim judicial management on September 24.

Recent developments in U.S. export controls on semiconductors for AI are discussed, including the AI Diffusion Rule, policy shifts for China and the UAE, and remote computing implications.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN met with Timor-Leste's Permanent Representative to ASEAN to exchange views and discuss matters, indicating diplomatic engagement within the ASEAN framework.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered remarks at the High-Level session of the International Conference on Combating Online Scams, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 23 September 2026.

The Philippines has secured an additional export quota of 9,151 metric tons raw value (MTRV) for raw cane sugar to the United States.

Mars has opened its Pringles factory in Chon Buri, positioning Thailand as an export hub for the brand.

Vietnam's shrimp exports reached US$3.3 billion in the first eight months, up 12% year-on-year, driven by the Chinese market.

A Singapore court has appointed KPMG to manage iron ore trader Radiant World, escalating a crisis surrounding the company.

Vietnam and the United States are nearing an outcome in reciprocal trade negotiations, as both sides deepen economic cooperation.

Robust semiconductor shipments are helping sustain Malaysia's export momentum, highlighting the sector's growing importance to the country's external trade performance.

Negotiating teams from Vietnam and the U.S. are reportedly very close to reaching a final outcome on a reciprocal trade agreement, with substantial progress hailed by U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.

The Philippines' trade deficit reached its widest level in the first half of the year as imports grew faster than exports, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Indonesia, through its Deputy Trade Minister, called for stronger cooperation and better utilization of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at a ministerial meeting.

Indonesia plans to fully implement a single-door export system by December, which will cover key commodities such as coal, palm oil, and ferroalloys.

A discussion on ASEAN's economic development, focusing on the region's shift from being a hub for re-exporting Chinese-origin inputs to fostering greater value creation within its own economies.

Ministers from RCEP member countries met in Manila, Philippines, agreeing to strengthen the implementation of the trade agreement and build economic resilience.

The Sixth ASEAN Economic Ministers - the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (AEM-UK) Consultation was held on 22 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines.

The Twenty-Third ASEAN Economic Ministers-India (AEM-India) Consultation was held on 22 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The consultation was co-chaired by officials from the Philippines and India.

The Fifteenth ASEAN Economic Ministers-Russia (AEM-Russia) Consultation was held on 22 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines, co-chaired by officials from the Philippines and Russia.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN met with Canada's Minister of International Trade on the margins of the 58th AEM and Related Meetings in Manila to discuss ongoing negotiations for the ASEAN-Canada FTA.

The Fifteenth ASEAN Economic Ministers-Canada (AEM-Canada) Consultation was held on 22 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines, co-chaired by officials from the Philippines and Canada.

A Singapore court filing alleges Radiant World sent Mizuho Bank a fake Glencore e-mail, as the bank is among several lenders pursuing legal action against the commodities trader.

Vietnamese President To Lam states that his nation is very close to a trade deal with the United States and plans to buy more high-tech goods like aircraft to narrow the trade gap.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), already the world's largest free trade agreement, is reportedly looking to expand further.

Indonesia plans to fully implement a centralized "single-door" export mechanism for key strategic natural resources by December.

Malaysia's 2026 export outlook is expected to remain firm, though growth may moderate in the second half as base effects fade.

Indonesia's Trade Minister expects the country's export growth to remain resilient despite rising global crude oil prices.

Vietnamese media reports indicate a reciprocal trade deal with the US is close to completion following a meeting between Hanoi's leader To Lam and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Vietnam is close to a US trade deal, aiming to boost high-tech imports and address trade imbalances, while denying concerns about goods transshipment.

Philippines' Carabao mangoes have entered the Canadian market, with further plans to expand fruit exports to the UK. This indicates a push to grow farm product exports.

Malaysia's semiconductor sector is expected to benefit from robust demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) investments and data centre (DC) expansion, contributing to a global supercycle.

Hong Kong and Chile are progressing in their plans to join the RCEP mega trade pact, an ASEAN-backed deal. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also making strides towards membership.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in the 10th AEM-Hong Kong, China Consultation in Manila, Philippines, discussing the progress of the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA).

The Tenth ASEAN Economic Ministers-Hong Kong, China (AEM-HKC) Consultation was held in Manila, Philippines on 20 September 2026. It was co-chaired by officials from the Philippines and Hong Kong.

The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) plans to strengthen regulations to address unfair competition in the digital platform industry.

The 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Consultation was held in Manila, Philippines, co-chaired by the Philippines' Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.

The ASEAN Economic Ministers - United States Trade Representative (AEM-USTR) Consultation was held on 20 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines.

Prabowo plans to expand Indonesia's single-gate export system to all strategic commodities to enhance oversight and state revenues.

This article discusses strategies for the Philippines to effectively utilize the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, based on a presentation at a RCEP business summit.

The ASEAN Secretary-General participated in the Joint Meeting of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and 40th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council Meeting in Manila, discussing the implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max series saw stronger consumer response than forecast on the first day of sales in Thailand, driven by replacement demand and competitive offers from retailers and mobile operators.

The ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended the 18th Dialogue with the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) in Manila, Philippines, alongside the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Meeting.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN delivered opening remarks at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China, highlighting the depth of ASEAN-China economic relations and the importance of leveraging ACFTA 3.0.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered remarks at the 2026 RCEP & ACFTA High-Level Dialogue on Collaborative Growth, highlighting the dynamism of ASEAN-China economic relations and calling for continued collaboration.

The Philippines is on track to conclude negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada this year.

China and ASEAN member states are becoming more closely intertwined through trade, supply chains, and consumer markets, indicating an economic ties extension and a push in trade protocols.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN will lead the ASEAN Secretariat delegation to participate in the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Meeting and related meetings in Manila, the Philippines, chaired by the Philippines' Secretary of Trade and Industry.

Thailand has proposed talks between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump to conclude negotiations on a bilateral trade deal and discuss tariff rates.

Chinese buyers are increasingly seeking lesser-known Malaysian durian varieties, expanding beyond popular types like Musang King and Black Thorn.

State-controlled Petrovietnam Gas is exploring options for a second five-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) term contract, following an agreement with Shell, and is sounding out suppliers for a possible tender.

The Philippines plans to send its largest delegation of exporters to the China-ASEAN Expo, aiming to boost its exports.

A US trade agency will fund a study for a new Thailand-US subsea cable project, which would replace an existing aging cable linking the two countries.

Radiant World, a company with operations in Singapore, has reportedly cut jobs, including almost half of its iron ore traders in Singapore and China, amidst mounting legal challenges.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysia and India to enhance their collaboration and synergy in the electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor industries.

Malaysia's exports are forecast to moderate next year, following a 29.2% year-on-year rise to 290 billion USD in the first seven months of 2026, with total trade up 24.7% to nearly 540 billion USD.

Malaysia is aiming to transform its semiconductor industry from an assembly hub into a powerhouse, focusing on its role in producing essential technology components.

Musang King durian prices in Vietnam have increased by nearly 56% in two weeks, with traders in Ho Chi Minh City selling them for VND140,000 (US$5.39) per kilogram.

An economist warns that Indonesia faces a risk of deindustrialization due to manufacturing stagnation and continued reliance on commodities.

Crystal Jade has closed its Great World outlet in Singapore, marking its third closure in 2026 as part of an operational review. The company now has 15 remaining outlets in Singapore.

Thailand's sugar production is expected to fall 12.5% to 10.5 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, according to an industry official. Thailand is the world's second-largest sugar exporter.

Indonesia plans to launch a commodity exchange to gain more influence over commodity prices, with success depending on building a credible benchmark and adoption by producers and traders.

Ukraine is looking to import ube and other products from the Philippines as part of its export strategy.

A former Indonesian trade minister highlights ASEAN's need to build resilience against global geopolitical factors like US-China tensions, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and AI advancements, speaking at an AmChamSG event.

Cambodia's trade volume with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states surged by 21% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026, driven by tariff preferences.

Indonesia's fishery product exports totaled US$3 billion in the first half of 2026, amounting to 566,250 tons.

Radiant World-funded scholarship in UWCSEA is under review due to the Singapore iron ore trader's mounting legal woes. EnterpriseSG is monitoring the case but anticipates limited impact on Singapore's commodities trading ecosystem.

Indonesia is making a significant move to influence global pricing for critical minerals like nickel, leveraging its position as a key player in the supply chain.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) allows qualified export-oriented enterprises to claim VAT refunds on local purchases and imports while awaiting zero-rating certification from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The Philippines generated $290.71 million in export sales from its participation in the 2026 Asia Fruit Logistica event in Hong Kong.

German exports unexpectedly fell in July, with imports declining by 5.7%, leading to a wider trade surplus. Rising shipments to the US were the only positive development.

DPM Gan stated Singapore must act as a 'traffic controller' for business flows due to supply chain reshuffling caused by US tariffs. He noted Singapore offers 'value for money' despite not competing on cost with neighbours.

Stavian Group was recognized among Vietnam's 155 largest taxpayers, ranking 155th in the VNTAX 200 and 69th in the Private 100 for 2026.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced it will list 28 new depositary receipts linked to stocks and ETFs from Asia, the US, and Europe to give local investors easier access to global blue chips, enhancing capital market integration.

Vietnam's coffee exports reached nearly 1.7 million tonnes, valued at over US$6 billion in the first eight months of 2026, marking a 10% year-on-year increase in volume.

Bengkulu, Indonesia, makes its first direct coffee export to Italy, shipping 19.2 tons as the province seeks to expand global markets for local farmers.

León Gallery's 'The Magnificent September Auction 2026' will feature rare works by important Philippine artists and historically significant pieces, highlighting the market for Philippine art, antiques, and cultural heritage.

The Philippines is pressing for zero tariffs on its banana exports to Japan as it finalizes a bilateral trade agreement, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

A Jefferies-linked fund is seeking a Singapore injunction against iron ore trader Radiant World, adding to challenges facing the company.

A chip industry chief raised Malaysia's electrical and electronics exports forecast for this year to over RM900 billion (US$223 billion), driven by global AI demand.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is advocating for the extension of zero tariffs on Electric Vehicles (EVs) until 2040.

The founder of Singapore's Sheng Siong supermarket chain, Lim Hock Chee, saw his wealth increase by 46% year-on-year to US$2.7 billion, moving up seven positions on the city-state's 2026 rich list.

Indonesia plans to establish the Indonesian Commodity Exchange (Icomex) to transition from a commodity price taker to a price maker.

Vietnam's total trade turnover reached US$770.14 billion in the first eight months of 2026, marking a record high for the period and a 28.7% year-on-year increase.

Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) has submitted 11 initiatives for Budget 2027 to accelerate the semiconductor industry and expand Malaysian exports.

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) is urging motorists to refuel before an expected oil price hike in the second week of September 2026, driven by intensified conflict in the Middle East.

Gold prices in Vietnam edged up Friday morning, despite the metal trading flat on global markets.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will deliver a keynote speech at the 11th Belt and Road Summit, following an invitation from the Hong Kong government.

CapitaLand Investment will retrench 90 staff in Singapore in 2026, representing about 4% of its 2,200-strong Singapore workforce, as part of a restructuring.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead a delegation to participate in the DEFA Foresight and Strategic Cooperation Pre-Summit Forum in Hong Kong, following an invitation from the ASEAN-Hong Kong Economic and Trade Center (AHKETC).

A Malaysian government official acknowledged understanding Indonesia's new export policies, particularly concerning commodities like coal and palm oil.

Indonesia's ambition to control global prices for its natural resources through a new commodities exchange may struggle against established bourses and risks unintended consequences.

The Philippines may not export sugar to the United States this year due to local sugarcane production constraints, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

A leading Thai business group raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Thailand to a range of 2.1% to 2.5% from an earlier forecast of 1.6% to 2.0%.

Vietnam exported an estimated 6.03 million tonnes of rice worth nearly $2.91 billion in the first eight months of 2026, down 5% in volume and 10.7% in value year-on-year, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

China-ASEAN trade ties are deepening, with Guangxi's trade with ASEAN reaching 248.21 billion yuan (US$36.6 billion) in the first seven months of 2026, strengthening supply chains, connectivity, and businesses.

Thailand's trade account was in balance in July, as reported by the Bank of Thailand.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects the Philippines' exports to grow faster than the government's target this year due to strong sector performance.