Vantage Point

Explore our latest perspectives on the global economy, geopolitics, and industry dynamics.

TOPIC: MANUFACTURING

The Pfizer deal previews Trump’s industrial policy

October 3, 2025

President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, tax cuts, and deregulation push were set to have ambiguous impacts on investment within the US. Recent agreements and reporting reveal a more comprehensive, if untested, industrial policy.

“Transshipment” may reshape access to the US market

August 19, 2025

Implementation of the Trump administration's 40% transshipment tariff remains unclear because the CBP has not defined what constitutes transshipment. How expansive the CBP’s definition of transshipment determines the level of disruption to existing manufacturing supply chains, particularly in Asia.

Thailand’s political landscape and competitiveness at risk amid Cambodia tensions

August 8, 2025

The July 2025 Thailand-Cambodia conflict has intensified political instability and triggered a labor shortage in Thailand, further undermining its competitiveness amid rising regional investment competition.

China and the US prepare for the next round

July 31, 2025

China is expanding legal measures in response to broader U.S. trade restrictions, targeting firms that comply with U.S. policies. This strategy aims to shield its slowing economy while increasing risks for foreign companies caught between both sides. Despite some easing of tariffs, the U.S. and China remain on divergent paths, with the U.S. pushing for strategic decoupling and China reinforcing its deterrents.

Countries caught in the middle of tariff negotiations with the US

June 26, 2025

The Trump administration is pressuring its trade partners to reduce their economic and tech dependences on China in exchange for lower tariffs. China warned it would retaliate against trading partners who hurt Chinese interests in attempts to “appease” the US.

US proposals to address Chinese trade and sanctions evasion

June 20, 2025

US officials are intensifying efforts to curb Chinese trade and sanctions evasion through new legislation. The Axing Nonmarket Tariff Evasion Act (ANTE) scrutinizes investments by Chinese firms in third countries while a proposed subsidy rule imposes existing licensing requirements on firms who are majority-owned by sanctioned companies.

What the U.S. reciprocal tariff push means for South Asia

May 15, 2025

Reciprocal tariffs threaten South Asia’s critical labor-intensive exports to the U.S. by eroding cost advantages and deterring investment, prompting affected countries to negotiate concessions that carry significant economic and political risks.

Reciprocal tariffs hit home: what’s at stake for Southeast Asia?

April 17, 2025

The US reciprocal tariff policy is threatening Southeast Asia's competitive edge as a manufacturing hub, with the potential for increased production costs and factory closures.

China’s export pivot to developing countries will be increasingly challenged

February 13, 2025

China's pivot to developing markets faces increasing challenges from rising trade barriers and heightened scrutiny from the US and other regions.

What lies ahead for Indonesia’s manufacturing sector?

November 5, 2024

Indonesia's new president, Prabowo Subianto, faces the challenge of revitalizing the manufacturing sector amid regulatory hurdles and labor issues, with the potential for growth hinging on effective implementation of the 2020 Job Creation Law.