ASEAN Express News April 10, 2026

Vietnam Vietnam's trade outlook enters a challenging period in Q2 2026, with increased external uncertainties likely to suppress export performance. The Ministry of Industry and Trade's Import-Export Department points out that despite easing Middle East tensions, inflation is weakening purchasing power and global consumption is slowing down. Additionally, risks in oil and other crude supply, along with rising logistics costs, are pressuring exporters. According to the latest data, Vietnam's total import and export value in the first quarter reached nearly US$250 billion (approximately NT$8.13 trillion), a year-on-year increase of about 22%, indicating a strong trade recovery. However, the first quarter also recorded a trade deficit of approximately US$3.6 billion.

Laos As the Lao New Year approaches, authorities have issued formal directives to major malls, markets, and retail chains, requiring stable prices during the festival to meet surging consumer demand. The Lao Ministry of Commerce is coordinating directly with large supermarkets and convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Mini Big C, and J-Mart, strictly prohibiting illegal price hikes, hoarding, or any unfair trade practices. Authorities have specifically highlighted high-demand essential goods like fuel, gas, sticky rice, pork, fish, and eggs, emphasizing the need to ensure sufficient supply and clear pricing.

Singapore To alleviate cost pressures exacerbated by the Middle East situation, the Singaporean government has announced an increase in corporate income tax rebates to 50% and raised the maximum rebate and cash grant limit from S$30,000 to S$40,000 (approximately NT$960,000). However, interviewed SMEs generally believe that tax rebates primarily benefit high-profit companies. For small businesses suffering from reduced profits or even losses due to higher energy prices, the actual help is limited. Affected by the war, local packaging suppliers and food manufacturers report that transportation costs have risen by 20% to 30% in the past month, with operating costs increasing by 10% to 15% weekly.

Philippines The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced today that due to the depreciation of the peso against the US dollar, electricity generation costs have increased, leading to a price hike of 0.5335 pesos per kWh in April. After the adjustment, the retail price for general household electricity will rise from 13.8161 pesos per kWh in March to 14.3496 pesos. For residential users with an average monthly consumption of 200 kWh, the total electricity bill for this month will increase by approximately 107 pesos (about NT$61).

Myanmar The 2nd ASEAN Rice Trade Summit and Regional Rice Dialogue was held in Yangon, emphasizing challenges faced by farmers, strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable rice production and trade among regional countries. The 'Myanmar New Light' reported that representatives from the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) and countries including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in the regional rice dialogue.

Malaysia Senior officials from the Malaysia Tourism Board pointed out that Malaysia-China economic and trade cooperation is entering a new phase of high value-added and regional strategic significance through the 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership' (RCEP). RCEP covers approximately 30% of the global population, economic output, and trade volume, providing unprecedented opportunities for industrial integration between the two countries. Data shows that China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for many consecutive years. Bilateral trade is projected to exceed US$450 billion (approximately NT$14.4 trillion) in 2025, and China's cumulative investment in Malaysia has exceeded US$60 billion. Furthermore, bilateral economic and trade ties are accelerating the connection of the 'New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor,' which can reduce logistics transport time by 30% to 40% compared to traditional routes, significantly enhancing cross-border trade efficiency.

Thailand Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn stated that inflation is expected to accelerate due to the Middle East war, and the central bank will maintain its policy rate at the current level 'for as long as possible' to support the economy. Since the easing cycle began in the second half of 2024, the Bank of Thailand has cumulatively cut rates by 150 basis points. In February, the Monetary Policy Committee unexpectedly lowered the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 1%, a new low since September 2022. The next decision-making meeting is scheduled for April 29th.

Cambodia The World Bank released a report indicating that due to global energy price volatility and external uncertainties, Cambodia's 2026 GDP growth forecast has been revised down to 3.9% from the previous 4.3%. Although Cambodia achieved 4.8% growth last year, World Bank experts warn that rising oil prices and constrained energy supply will put pressure on East Asia and the Pacific region, which heavily relies on energy imports. The overall growth rate for the region is also expected to slow from 5.0% last year to 4.2%.

Indonesia Indonesian energy experts are calling on the government to reform the current comprehensive fuel subsidy policy and shift towards a 'targeted quota system,' similar to Malaysia's approach. Energy observers point out that Indonesia's current subsidy policy focuses solely on lowering prices without effective distribution controls, resulting in subsidies disproportionately benefiting high-income earners or large vehicle owners. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia's fuel import volume has increased by over 60% in the past five years, reaching 31.95 million kiloliters in 2024. The daily average consumption in 2025 is projected to reach 232,400 kiloliters, and the heavy subsidy expenditure has significantly strained the national budget.