The recovery in global demand will fuel the robust growth of timber and wooden exports in 2025.

Indonesia has been exploring new export destinations beyond the US and plans to accelerate trade negotiations in anticipation of new US tariffs.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with leaders of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) in Ho Chi Minh City on February 22, urging the company to expand its investment in industrial rubber processing in Laos.

Building on the impressive economic achievements of 2024, Vietnam's economy is poised to enter 2025 with the expectation of sustaining steady and sustainable growth across all sectors.

Countries set to ink pact in early April

Malaysia may lead the admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN in 2025, despite challenges like undeveloped social and economic systems and concerns over the nation's growing ties with China. Timor-Leste stands to gain from greater regional integration and economic diversification if it can leverage foreign partnerships, strengthen its institutions and implement required legislation, drawing on ASEAN's successful transformation of geopolitical challenges into economic and political growth.

Vietnam is projected to import an additional 6 million tonnes of corn and 1.7 million tones of soybean meal by 2034, representing 7% of global corn imports and 9% of global soybean meal imports.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) of Vietnam on February 21 decided to impose temporary anti-dumping duties on certain hot-rolled coil (HRC) products originating from India and China.

Vietnam will focus on improving quality and production efficiency rather than expanding shrimp and tra fish farming areas in 2025.

The European Union is willing to work with the Trump administration on a deal that would lower tariffs for industrial goods and boost purchases of American exports like natural gas and soybeans, the bloc’s trade chief said.