The impact of APAC trade trends on supply chains in Asia

APAC’s growing importance in global trade cannot be understated, and the emerging ‘Asian 6’ – China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia – will play an increasingly leading role in the region.

According to DHL's Demystifying Asia Pacific Trade Trends, intra-APAC trade will account for approximately 50 percent of key global trade lanes by 2030, with China, India and Vietnam projected to lead the growth in global merchandise exports.

Emerging manufacturing hubs, increasing domestic consumption and rapidly growing e-commerce in the Asian 6 countries are boosting cross-border trade. To capitalise on these trends, companies must pay close attention to the new realities of operating in the APAC region.Changing APAC trade trends in the Asian 6

While China remains the world’s undisputed manufacturing hub, production will increasingly shift to emerging APAC economies that offer lower labour costs and greater resilience to a fluctuating economy. Trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will also ease trade barriers and reduce tariffs, making emerging Asian 6 economies attractive manufacturing bases.