Get the integration piece right, and the bloc can cement itself as the resilient, diversified alternative to China-centric supply chains
GLOBAL trade is in upheaval. Tariffs are back in fashion, protectionism is increasing, and “de-risking” and “decoupling” are on the rise. Around 13 per cent of European companies are considering relocation in response to US tariffs – and of these, nearly four in 10 are looking at Asean as their destination.
This finding, from the latest EU-Asean Business Sentiment Survey, shows that this region stands on the cusp of an exceptional opportunity. But it also comes with a stark warning: If Asean does not accelerate integration and cut barriers, it risks losing ground to competitors.
This is Asean’s moment – the question is whether it can, and will, seize it.
