According to the latest forecast by AMRO, economic growth in the ASEAN+3 region is projected to reach 3.8% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026, lower than previous estimates due to concerns over U.S. trade policies. Despite easing inflation and stable financial markets, the region’s outlook remains fraught with risks. AMRO calls for stronger regional integration to enhance resilience and support growth.

In its latest update of the ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AREO), the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) forecasts that the region’s economy will grow by 3.8% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026. These figures, which cover ASEAN countries along with China, South Korea, and Japan, are lower than AMRO’s April projections of 4.2% and 4.1%, respectively, reflecting rising global uncertainties—particularly related to new tariff measures introduced by the United States.

AMRO noted that inflation continues to ease across the region, although oil prices have occasionally surged due to tensions in the Middle East. Financial markets in the region remain stable, with several local currencies appreciating against the U.S. dollar amid growing global concerns over U.S. policies.

Nevertheless, AMRO warned that the region’s economic outlook remains vulnerable, with escalating tariff barriers from the U.S. being the most pressing concern.

AMRO Chief Economist Mr. Dong He emphasized the urgent need for deeper regional integration in an increasingly fragmented global environment. He argued that by strengthening intra-regional cooperation, remaining open to the world, and safeguarding the multilateral trading system based on rules, ASEAN+3 could boost resilience to external shocks and unlock new growth opportunities.

Source: VietnamPlus