Southeast Asia Holds Growth Potential for Chinese Food Firms
29 Aug 25Chinese companies have historically struggled to secure a strong position in the Southeast Asian packaged food market due to preference for local brands, and past food safety scandals in China. The dominance of established local conglomerates poses an added challenge for foreign brands. Despite these challenges, Chinese companies have been able to grow their presence.
Emil Fazira
Global Shifts, Local Wins: Competing in the Personal Accessories Market in 2025
18 Aug 25The personal accessories industry has long been led by Western European luxury houses, but Asia-based companies are rapidly gaining ground, and are poised to drive growth over the next five years. Meanwhile, the US – the second largest market after China – is facing tariff pressures that could ripple across the global landscape. As market dynamics shift, balancing global scale with local relevance is becoming increasingly critical for sustained success.
Jitong Li
Five Emerging Trends Shaping Asia Pacific’s Stablecoin Market
15 Aug 25Stablecoins are becoming significant to global payment development. Asia Pacific is rapidly catching up, with governments, fintechs and financial institutions embracing stablecoins to modernise payments, enhance financial inclusion and compete globally. This article explores five emerging trends driving stablecoin development across the region.
David Zhang
Three Value Strategies to Drive Growth of Snacking in Asia
11 Aug 25Following a challenging period, Asia Pacific’s snacks market returned to growth in 2024, reaching USD160 billion — and that momentum is only just beginning. First, brands are adjusting to rising input costs. Second, they are innovating to changing purchasing habits. And third, they are adapting to shifting channel trends.
Emil Fazira
Glocalisation in Fintech: Chinese Digital Wallets Conquering Southeast Asia
28 Jul 25Southeast Asia is experiencing a digital payment revolution. With smartphone adoption surging and government-backed digital ID systems enabling secure, seamless transactions, the region has become a global hotspot for mobile wallets.
David Zhang
US-Vietnam Trade Deal: Key Things to Know
24 Jul 25On 2 July, a trade deal between the US and Vietnam was announced. Under the agreement, US goods will enter Vietnam duty-free, while the US will charge a 20% tariff on imports from Vietnam, instead of the 46% tariff announced in April. In addition, a new “transshipment” agreement was announced, which will charge a 40% tariff rate on goods from other countries that pass through Vietnam on the way to the US market. The new trade deal marks a significant milestone for Vietnam and will have an impact on production networks across Asia.
Justinas Liuima
2025 Asia Pacific Beauty: What’s Driving Growth in China, Japan and South Korea?
18 Jul 25Asia Pacific continues to lead the global beauty and personal care landscape, accounting for over 30% of global market value. Despite its scale, the region is projected to grow by 3% between 2024 and 2029. Within Asia Pacific, the trajectories of major markets – China, Japan and South Korea – highlight distinct consumer behaviours, brand strategies and innovation pathways, underscoring the need for market-specific approaches.
Aya Suzuki
Opportunities in Focus: Include, Empower, and Indulge 60+ Consumers in Asia Pacific
5 Jun 25By 2029, 56% of the global 65+ population will be in APAC, a segment often overlooked. Euromonitor's Inclusivity – Empowerment – Indulgence framework helps businesses tap into this market by addressing physical, emotional, and lifestyle needs, as well as cultural dynamics like age discrimination and multigenerational living, unlocking growth and competitive advantage.
Icey Huang
Commodity Market Outlook Q2 2025: Weaker Demand Outlook Amid Policy Uncertainty to Cap Price Growth
28 May 25Global commodity markets are under pressure in 2025 amid rising trade tensions, US protectionism, and slowing global growth. Energy prices remain subdued, with oil at a 4-year low due to oversupply concerns and weak demand, while a stronger supply outlook for major crops is set to keep downward pressure on food commodity prices. Meanwhile, metals markets remain mixed, as policy-driven volatility curbs price momentum despite prospects for recovery later in the year.
Aleksandra Svidler
BRICS+ Expansion and Market Opportunities Amid Rising Uncertainty
30 Apr 25The expansion of BRICS+ marks a pivotal shift in the global economic landscape, offering a strategic response to escalating trade tensions and mounting geopolitical uncertainty. By integrating diverse emerging markets, fostering deeper cooperation and diversifying trade routes, the growing bloc can help to enhance supply chain resilience and mitigate exposure to global risks, while its vibrant consumer base offers vast growth opportunities, fuelled by rising incomes and evolving demand.
Aleksandra Svidler
Asia Pacific Consumer Base Boosts E-Commerce and Retail in 2024
16 Apr 25In the global retail industry, macroeconomic concerns continue to weigh on consumers, placing a heavy burden on retailers specialising in sales of discretionary goods. Even so, thanks to the skyrocketing popularity of online shopping and the growing affluence of consumers in the Asia Pacific region, global retail sales recorded positive, albeit subdued, growth in 2024. Future growth will be largely dependent on the continued expansion of e-commerce and the remarkable rise of the Asia Pacific retail sector.
Bob Hoyler
Trump Impact: Asia Pacific to See New Trade and Investment Dynamics
10 Mar 25With US President Donald Trump’s second term officially beginning from January 2025, momentum is building around significant changes to US trade policy, specifically around higher tariffs and restrictions aimed at reducing the US’s trade deficits.
Sowmya Ramaswami
Commodity Market Outlook Q1 2025: Heightened Uncertainty Amid Looming Policy Shifts and Potential Tariffs
24 Feb 25In 2025, global energy, food, and metals markets face mixed outlooks amid geopolitical risks, trade policy shifts, and supply dynamics.
Aleksandra Svidler
The Rise of the Cultural Beauty Movement: How E-Commerce Is Bridging Traditions and Trends Globally
12 Feb 25As beauty rituals transcend borders, e-commerce is the engine driving this cultural movement. In this article, we explore the dynamics of this movement, what it means for brands and why the future of beauty will be more connected than ever.
Rabia Yasmeen
Three Key Implications of the Grab and GoTo Merger
10 Feb 25In February 2025, Grab and GoTo, the two leading ride hailing firms in Southeast Asia, were reportedly in merger discussions. Share price declines for both (versus the price of their IPOs), challenges in growing market share individually, and headwinds on the path to profitability are the key drivers for the potential merger.
David Zhang
Emerging Opportunities for Digital Wallets in Developing Asia Pacific (APAC) Markets
4 Feb 25Electronic payments are on the rise across many markets in the APAC region, and this growth is forecast to continue over the next five years. Having already seen some success in markets like China, digital wallets still have further room for growth in the APAC region and while there are many challenges to overcome, the future is bright for this payment method.
Arshad Mawla
Chart of the Month: Countries with Highest and Lowest Inflation Rates in 2025
30 Jan 25Our Chart of the Month series provides visuals that can help you navigate economic uncertainty and make informed decisions on spending, investment, and consumer engagement. This month, we are looking at global inflation.
Lan Ha
Pawsome Journeys: Pet Travel Opportunities in Asia Pacific
27 Jan 25Asia Pacific’s pet population grew at a CAGR of 2.4% between 2019 and 2024. The rise of lifestyle choices, such as DINKWADs (double income, no kids, with a dog), are bringing forth pet parents’ desire to include their animal companions in multiple aspects of their lives, both within and outside the home.
Sahiba Puri