Author: Stephen Olson
Published: 21 November 2025
ISEAS Perspective 2025/94
A new trade world is gradually emerging as US President Donald Trump continues his assault on the rules-based global trade structure. The basic contours of this new world are starting to come into focus, and for Southeast Asia, the news is not good.
While ongoing efforts to deepen integration within the region and strengthen ties with other fast-growing regions could hold promise, a more European-focused external orientation offers the region the best prospects to successfully navigate this fraught transition. Pursuing closer trade ties with the EU, however, will also bring its own unique set of obstacles that will have to be skilfully managed.
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