ASEAN Connect

19 August 2026

The ASEAN-5 recorded a combined trade surplus of USD156.6bn in 2025, extending a decade-long expansion trend and underscoring the region's growing importance in global trade. Intra-ASEAN trade also remained resilient, generating a surplus of USD63bn, supported by increasingly integrated regional supply chains.

27 July 2026

ASEAN-5 inward FDI remained robust, rising 13.1% y/y in 1Q26, led by Singapore and Malaysia possibly reflecting strong AI- and electronics-related investments. Medium-term FDI prospects continue to be supported by ASEAN-wide investment promotion efforts focused on green industries, digitalization and downstream processing.

14 November 2025

FDI inflows into ASEAN have remained resilient in 1H25, though near-term FDI inflows may face headwinds. ASEAN-6’s trade flows surged by 11.5% y/y in the first nine months ytd, but trade growth may ease in 2026. Despite the near-term disruptions from US tariffs, ASEAN remains well-positioned to attract investments and expand trade flows to 2035.

07 November 2025

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) attracted MYR37 bn (US$8.8 bn) in approved investments in 1H 2025 — two-thirds of Johor’s total inflows — alongside S$5.5 bn (US$4.2 bn) pledged by Singapore-based firms since the MOU signing in Jan 2024, underscoring strong bilateral economic integration and investors’ confidence.

10 October 2025

US imposes sweeping tariffs on pharmaceuticals, furniture, and trucks — posing new risks for ASEAN exporters, especially Singapore and Vietnam. The latest announcement is yet another confirmation of the changing and disrupted global trade landscape since US President Trump took power in Jan 2025.

02 July 2025

In the latest World Investment Report, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to ASEAN surged nearly 10% y/y to USD225 bn in 2024, the second highest in its history.