Trade Tracker

ASEAN officials and Japan held the 25th ASEAN Senior Law Officials' Meeting and the 5th ASLOM-Japan Consultation in Bangkok to discuss legal cooperation.

Indonesia reported a 43.4% increase in export duties, with palm oil identified as the primary driver behind the Rp 34.5 trillion collection.

Indonesia's new commodities export agency plans to implement a single-digit, dollar-a-ton fee on palm oil exports to enhance government oversight.

Two Philippine durian exporters have signed agreements worth US$27 million with a Chinese firm for frozen durian procurement and strategic cooperation.

Singapore life insurers recorded over $15 billion in payouts during the first nine months of 2026, with maturity benefits accounting for 74% of the total.

Cambodia's total trade with RCEP member countries reached nearly $4 billion in the first month of 2026.

Thailand and Canada have initiated free trade agreement negotiations to strengthen economic ties in clean energy and advanced technology sectors.

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a joint statement for PM Anutin and US President Trump to sign in Manila, signaling advancement in bilateral trade negotiations.

China's trade surplus has surpassed US$1 trillion for the second consecutive year, driven by an AI-led export boom, reflecting broader shifts in regional trade dynamics.

The United States has extended its ongoing trade investigation into Vietnam's intellectual property protection practices by an additional three months.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore is launching a bullion vaulting service for foreign central banks and reducing taxes on gold market firms to increase its share of the precious metals trade.

The US midterm election results are unlikely to lead to a significant softening of trade policies affecting Southeast Asian exporters.

Indonesia's total exports increased by 5.58 percent during the period of January to September 2026, according to Trade Minister Budi Santoso.

Thailand Post launched a tool on its DPost Inter website allowing SMEs and online merchants to manage mandatory product identifier (PID) codes required for exports to the EU.

Indonesia's export value grew by 5.58 percent between January and September 2026 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the trade minister.

Experts estimate that haze in 2026 could cost Singapore S$2.32 billion, a 4% increase from 2015, driven by a larger population, higher incomes, and increased visitor spending.

China accounted for nearly 96% of Vietnam's durian exports in the first nine months of the year, highlighting a heavy reliance on a single market for the commodity.

The Philippine agricultural trade deficit widened by nearly 25 percent in September due to a double-digit decline in farm exports, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The State Enterprise Policy Office has initiated negotiations regarding non-discriminatory treatment for state-owned enterprises under the proposed Thailand-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (Gapki) has urged the government to exercise caution regarding new commodity export fees imposed through PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia to avoid economic strain.

The Malaysian government is exploring initiatives to encourage semiconductor companies to list on Bursa Malaysia to bolster capital markets.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth pledged to defend U.S. interests and those of partners during the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting in Cebu.

Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of US$7.31 billion in October, following a surplus in September, with 10-month total trade turnover reaching a record high.

Rice export prices in Thailand and Vietnam reached near two-year highs due to supply disruption concerns and strong demand.

A Singaporean startup, Porolis Technologies, won a trademark dispute against OpenAI, allowing it to continue using the name GemGPT for its gemstone assessment AI.

Exporters are concerned that proposed export fees by Indonesia's state asset fund, Danantara, on commodities like coal, palm oil, and ferroalloys could negatively impact competitiveness.

Indonesia plans to launch a commodity export monitoring platform next year that will integrate customs and trade data to track export volumes and activities.

The nickel industry has warned that proposed commodity export fees by Danantara may reduce the price competitiveness of Indonesian commodities in global markets.

Indonesia aims to bypass intermediaries in neighboring countries for natural resource exports to capture higher returns and reduce price gaps.

Indonesia is pursuing direct crude palm oil exports to end buyers, aiming to eliminate routing through neighboring countries to increase export returns.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn hosted Timor-Leste's Vice Prime Minister, who also serves as Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, to discuss cooperation during his official visit.

Vietnamese payment provider AppotaPay showcased transaction management solutions for the retail and F&B sectors at the VIFS 2026 exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thailand's rice exports are projected to fall below the annual target of 7 million tonnes, despite increased shipments to other Asian markets.

The Mercosur-Singapore Free Trade Agreement has entered into force, eliminating import tariffs on 96% of products over a 15-year period.

Statistics Indonesia reported a continued trade surplus from January to September 2026, driven by strong performance in non-oil and gas commodity trade.

Coordinating Minister Bahlil Lahadalia is coordinating with Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia to establish a single-gate system for resource exports.

Indonesia plans to centralize its natural resource export system under Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) by 2027 to manage strategic exports.

Malaysia is experiencing an export surge driven by the artificial intelligence sector, positioning the country for significant economic growth and a renewed path toward becoming an advanced economy.

The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines warns that proposed tariff hikes on imported pork to protect local hog raisers could worsen inflation.

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry committed to supporting businesses in capturing trade opportunities to maintain momentum following record-high export levels in September.

The Mercosur-Singapore Free Trade Agreement has entered into force, eliminating import tariffs on 96% of products over a 15-year period.

Malaysia Airlines reported a security breach at service provider Amadeus that may have impacted customer information processed between August 2023 and September 2026.

Indonesia is promoting the export of coffee and cocoa by encouraging students to develop value-added agricultural products.

ASEAN ministers met with counterparts from China, Japan, and South Korea in Singapore to discuss regional agricultural and forestry cooperation.

The Philippine trade deficit expanded to $5.15 billion in September, despite record-high export earnings and significant growth, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Vietnam's total foreign trade in goods reached US$1 trillion for the first time this year.

The Malaysian government plans to reduce economic reliance on the semiconductor sector by diversifying the electrical and electronics value chain.

Malaysia's export sector is seeing significant growth driven by the AI industry, positioning the country for potential advancement in its economic standing.

Sika Thailand hosted the Thailand Pro Tiler 2026 competition in Khon Kaen on October 16, 2026, aimed at advancing professional skills in the tiling industry.

Indonesia's energy minister confirms that natural gas exports to Singapore remain within contractually mandated minimum levels, despite recent reductions in supply volume.

Singapore is appointing technical consultants to prepare for an IAEA assessment scheduled for 2027.

Malaysia's exports to the United States increased by 69.1% to RM282.07 billion between January and September 2026, driven by growth in the AI sector.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and member states' prosecutors and attorneys general attended the welcoming reception of the inaugural ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys General Meeting hosted by Brunei's Attorney General.

The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines warned that the Department of Agriculture's proposed tariff increase on pork imports could exacerbate inflation.

CapitaLand Development Vietnam won seven awards for sustainability, social impact, and residential design at the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards 2026, bringing its regional total to over 100 accolades.

The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand has approved in principle a draft announcement governing service fee structures for ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms.

Malaysian firms secured RM453 million (US$110 million) in export deals at the Semicon West 2026 trade exhibition in San Francisco, according to Matrade.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN Nararya S. Soeprapto attended the opening of the 44th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations on 20 October 2026 in Bandung, Indonesia.

JTI Philippines appoints Alan Jackson as new general manager to lead growth and combat illicit tobacco trade.

Malaysia's economic growth momentum is anticipated to remain firm in the fourth quarter of 2026, supported by robust domestic demand, ongoing investment activities, and positive export prospects.

Malaysia's exports increased by 54.5% year-on-year in September, marking the fastest growth rate in over five years, according to government data.

The semiconductor sector across ASEAN is poised for continued expansion, driven by surging exports fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) chip boom, despite challenges from US tariff threats and geopolitical risks.

Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) officially signed the Vietnam-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (VEFTA) in Hanoi on Oct. 18, following 14 years of negotiations.

The ACT! Project indicates Indonesia's readiness to consume sustainable products. Its commodity supply chains, serving domestic and global markets, are prepared to adopt sustainable practices, with industry players encouraged to recognize their importance.

Musang King durian traders are paying nearly 5% commission for supplier information due to tight supply of the fruit, which is sparsely grown in Vietnam and harder to procure.

Thailand and Switzerland are seeking to expand trade and investment ties ahead of a free trade deal targeted to take effect on Jan 1, 2027.

Singapore's key exports saw double-digit expansion for the seventh consecutive month in September, driven by AI-related demand and non-electronics sectors.

Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 5.3% year-on-year in the three months through September, exceeding forecasts due to an AI boom driving export growth.

The 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) convened via videoconference on October 15, 2026, bringing together leaders from all ASEAN Member States.

Indonesia is actively exploring strategies to increase exports to its major traditional markets: China, the United States, India, and Japan, identifying untapped potential in these regions.

Vietnam is poised to sign a free trade agreement with the European bloc this week. Additionally, Hanoi expects a reciprocal trade deal with the United States to be finalized and signed soon.

Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026 has commenced at ICE BSD City, running from October 14-18. Hosted by the Trade Ministry, the exhibition aims to boost exports under the theme "The Ultimate Hub for Global Sourcing".

ASEAN aims to implement an upgraded Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) by the end of 2026, sooner than expected. The revised pact will simplify trade rules, ease business operations, and boost intra-regional trade across ASEAN.

Malaysia needs to reduce its reliance on electrical and electronics (E&E) exports by diversifying into other high-value industries.

Nestlé Indonesia has started exporting coffee drinks to Australia and has committed to at least Rp 10 trillion in shipments over the next three years, indicating a significant export expansion.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Thailand to strengthen economic fundamentals and deepen regional trade integration due to high global borrowing costs threatening growth and limiting policy flexibility.

Malaysia continues to enjoy tariff exemptions for its semiconductor exports to the United States, as confirmed by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Vietnam has sent the 'final wording' for a trade agreement to the United States, with hopes the deal can be quickly signed, according to the Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc.

Indonesia aims to achieve $45 billion from nickel exports in 2026 as it seeks to move up the value chain, despite complaints from Europe.

Vietnam states that a trade deal with the United States is 'nearly done' after sending the final text. President To Lam indicated the two countries are 'very close' to a deal.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects narrower balance of payments (BOP) deficits for the Philippines in 2026 and 2027 than previously forecast, despite ongoing concerns over fuel costs, geopolitical tensions, and uneven global growth.

Pet Fair South East Asia, a business-to-business trade exhibition for the pet industry, will hold its fifth edition from October 28 to 30, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Indonesia's iron and steel product exports, the third-largest export commodity by value, declined nearly 5% year-on-year from January-August 2026 due due to external and internal pressures.

Thailand's Prime Minister stated the country is in the final stages of a trade agreement with the US. The US imposed a 12.5% tariff on Thai imports in July and is Thailand's largest export market.

Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister confirmed that the country's semiconductor exports to the United States continue to be exempt from tariffs.

Indonesia showcased agricultural innovations and value-added food products at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome.

The Singapore Grand Prix 2026 attracted the second-highest attendance on record for the event in Singapore, with 301,294 attendees.

Trade between Vietnam and Cambodia is growing, with the two countries aiming for a US$20 billion trade goal in the coming years.

New high-tech investments in Thailand may not deliver broad employment opportunities, warns the vice-chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry.

The Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) is promoting partnerships with Malaysian entities to develop Bangladesh's semiconductor talent pool.

The ASEAN Trade Expo 2026, themed "Way of the Weave," will feature cultures, craftsmanship, and enterprises from ASEAN countries and Southeast Asia partners. It will be held at Okada Manila from November 10 to 12 as a Philippine ASEAN Chairmanship event.

China has agreed to moderate its car exports to Europe, according to the EU's commerce chief, a move welcomed by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association as a positive step to ease trade tensions.

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that a reciprocal trade agreement with the US is close to completion, expected to be signed during the US President's next Asia visit.

Malaysia's total trade grew 22.4% to RM1.795 trillion in the first half of 2026, demonstrating resilience, with the Ministry of Finance encouraging supply chain diversification.

The Forty-Fourth ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (44th AMEM) was held on October 7, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The WTO has upgraded its 2026 goods trade growth forecast to 3.9%, citing the AI boom offsetting Middle East disruption. However, it downgraded the services growth outlook to 3.3% due to the Mid-East conflict affecting transport and travel.

The WTO has increased its trade growth forecast for 2026, citing the impact of the AI boom.

Thailand and the EU are in the final stage of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), with the 10th round making significant progress and most issues concluded.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Thailand and the US are in the final stages of a trade agreement, following a letter from US President Donald Trump confirming progress.

A Wood Mackenzie report suggests Singapore will miss its 2035 green-power import target due to obstacles including export permit regimes, project bankability, and cross-border transmission financing.