A flood of Chinese products into Indonesia has hit local manufacturers hard, prompting the government to look for ways to placate domestic producers while avoiding angering the country’s biggest trading partner.
The semiconductor industry is crucial for the US economy and national security, but it faces significant challenges. The CHIPS and Science Act aims to address domestic manufacturing shortfalls and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, having already spurred over US$450 billion in private investments. But concerns persist amid financial constraints, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions with China. Strategic policy reforms, international cooperation and enhanced workforce development are vital for securing US leadership in this critical sector.
The future of Southeast Asia’s booming solar industry, which produces the most panels in the world after China, is being thrown into doubt as the US looks set to impose hefty tariffs on the region.
Cambodia has become the world’s second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts, with a total production of 830,000 tonnes in the last seven months of 2024, according to the report of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC).
The Indonesian authorities on Monday destroyed illegally-imported goods worth 20.22 billion rupiahs (1.3 million U.S. dollars), from industrial machinery and cell phones to pots and pans.
Chotima Iamsawatigul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, announced that she had been assigned by acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai on behalf of the Prime Minister to lead Thai representatives to attend the 10th round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Geneva, Switzerland, from August 19–23, 2024.
Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship is an opportunity to provide clear regional leadership amid shifting geopolitics, but the country's strategic goals remain uncertain despite a growing perception of closer alignment with China. Malaysia should focus on enhancing ASEAN centrality, balancing local sentiment against global interests, and sustaining ties with all major regional powers including the US, EU, and Japan to demonstrate regional leadership, strengthen ASEAN, and further the interests of Southeast Asia.
Imports of Chinese steel as well as rising energy costs are sending Thailand’s steel industry into a downward spiral
<p>Time: 2024 By: Ministry of Industry and Trade</p>
