Speaking Of Asia

The growing trade walls of South-east Asia

The spirit of solidarity in Asean is in danger of unravelling as its member states seek self-defeating measures to protect their home markets

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Just when you thought South-east Asia was on the threshold of a unique geoeconomic opportunity to soak up investments leaving China and from others seeking neutral venues amid the strategic tussle between Western nations and Beijing, it looks as though the economic crunch accentuated by the pandemic is spurring protectionist instincts instead, to the region's detriment.

To get a sense of this, look no further than the data on trade-related non-tariff measures (NTMs) put out by Cari, the CIMB Asean Research Institute.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 24, 2020, with the headline The growing trade walls of South-east Asia. Subscribe