Not an ideal year for Malaysia to achieve 3.8% growth target
Research analyst Kevin Khaw Khai Sheng said slower economic growth resulting from US tariffs is the main concern that could derail the government’s ability to achieve its target.
Economic Affairs
South Korean economy shrinks again in Q1
The weaker-than-expected GDP figure increases the likelihood that Asia’s fourth-largest economy will fall short of the central bank’s full-year GDP growth forecast of 1.5…
Thai, Cambodian PMs discuss U.S. tariffs, call for stronger ASEAN cooperation
PM Paetongtarn expressed her deep appreciation for the warm and dignified welcome extended by the Cambodian government, emphasizing that both nations are committed to continuing…
Australia plans critical minerals reserve to reduce global reliance on China
Australia has some of the world’s largest deposits of critical minerals, but the bulk of critical mineral processing occurs in China, which currently produces about 70 percent…
IMF projects Asia-Pacific to grow by 3.9% this year amid trade tensions
The projected growth for 2025 represents a significant slowdown compared to 2024, when Asia and the Pacific recorded a growth rate of 4.6 percent.
Thai exports soar 17.8% in March, hitting record high
The surge was driven by industrial goods, particularly to markets with accelerating manufacturing activities.
Bank Indonesia keeps rate unchanged amid flagging rupiah
Bank Indonesia (BI) has decided to keep its key interest rates in place as the rupiah remains weak, and noted that mounting global pressure stemming from trade disruption…
Philippine President Marcos: ‘Promise’ of cheap rice coming true in central Philippines
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. posted a message on his Facebook and Instagram accounts on April 23, recalling a promise he made in his 2022 campaign to bring down the price of the…
US tariff shift poses modest risk to Nepal’s economy, but uncertainty grows
Think tank says impact on GDP will be small, but exporters face growing unpredictability. With tariff preferences set to expire, Nepal’s export competitiveness could be impacted.
Japan’s guidelines for new law to regulate giant tech companies will clarify prohibited acts
The new law will prohibit tech giants from hindering other companies from providing app stores. However, in Europe, there have been reports that Apple Inc. charges high fees to…