(KPL/VNA) The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) forecasts the ASEAN+3 region’s economic growth to expand by 3.8% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026.

These figures, representing ASEAN member states, China, the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Japan, were released in the ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AREO)’s quarterly update.

The growth forecasts represent a downward revision from AMRO’s April projections of 4.2% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026. This adjustment reflects heightened global uncertainties, particularly the evolving US tariff measures.

“Encouragingly, the ASEAN+3 region enters this period of global trade turbulence from a position of relative strength and resilience," said AMRO Chief Economist Dong He. He added that most regional policymakers have acted early to cushion the impact of the trade shock, and policy space remains available for further support if needed.

According to AMRO, inflation in the region continues to moderate, despite a temporary spike in oil prices driven by Middle East tensions. The region's financial markets have also shown resilience, with regional currencies generally appreciating against the US dollar amid growing market concerns over US policy uncertainty.

However, the office noted that the economic outlook for ASEAN+3 remains clouded by significant uncertainties, with escalating US tariffs posing the most salient risk.

Dong He said deeper regional integration is both urgent and necessary in a world that is increasingly being reshaped by fragmentation. He noted that by strengthening regional cooperation while maintaining openness to the world and standing firm on rules-based multilateralism, ASEAN+3 can build resilience against external shocks and create new growth opportunities.

KPL