Washington CORE covered a webinar held by JP Morgan about the evolving challenges and needs for U.S. businesses to expand in the Asia Pacific region. JP Morgan analysts based in China and Singapore shared recent data and insights on high level economic growth and trade flow trends. They emphasized that rising U.S. tariffs would contribute to lower GDP growth across the export-dependent region in the second half of 2025, and have already caused a significant relocation of supply chain operations from China to Southeast Asia as companies seek to avoid the higher tariff rates.

Additionally, three U.S.-based JP Morgan clients spoke about the business challenges that they have faced in expanding to Asia Pacific markets, and the kinds of support that are critical to be successful.  In addition to the current tariff situation, all three executives mentioned that they are facing difficulties with foreign exchange management, in particular moving money out of the Chinese market to the U.S., as well as the diverse and complex regulations across the region.

Washington CORE will continue to closely monitor views on market and regulatory trends from expert sources as a part of our regular efforts to stay ahead of trends affecting APEC and other clients in the Asia Pacific region.