ASEAN: The Unexpected Winner in U. S. -China Trade Clashes

You might not think of Southeast Asia as a big player in the trade war between the U. S. and China. But the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been quietly making gains. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says ASEAN has been strengthening its trade and investment links with both countries, even as tensions rise. This isn't just about luck. ASEAN has been smart about it, taking advantage of trade diversion opportunities. That's when companies look for new places to do business because of the high costs of tariffs. ASEAN's exports have been growing faster than others, not just to the U. S. and China, but to other countries too. This shows ASEAN is not just benefiting from the trade war, but also becoming more important in the global economy. Some countries, like Vietnam, have seen big increases in exports. But not all ASEAN members are doing equally well. Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore have seen slower growth. The IMF warns that if the trade war gets worse, it could hurt ASEAN in the future. But for now, ASEAN is making the most of a tough situation.