ASEAN Is Scaling Up as a Manufacturing and Trade Hub
Merchandise exports reached USD 2.38 trillion in 2025, outpacing USD 2.10 trillion in imports
Merchandise exports reached USD 2.38 trillion in 2025, outpacing USD 2.10 trillion in imports
Rising freight rates and severe regional disruption are increasing lead-time, landed-cost and delivery risks for global procurement teams
The EU and China lead across major industrial value chains in 2025, while Asian economies feature prominently in electronics, textiles and automotive
H1 2026 export growth was driven increasingly by Asia, Africa and fast-growing markets including Singapore, China and South Africa
Africa’s exports reached a new high in 2025, but the export base remains highly concentrated, and China has become the largest single destination
India's merchandise trade exceeded USD 1.2 trillion in 2025, with exports remaining resilient and imports continuing to expand through 2026
Exports continue to expand, imports are recovering and total trade remains near record highs
China’s share of Africa’s trade has expanded sharply since 2001, with imports from China now matching Europe’s share
The U.S. is growing mine output, but no producer yet challenges China’s export and refining leverage.
Rising imports of semiconductors, energy and industrial inputs point to renewed industrial activity.