Vantage Point

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

TOPIC: SOUTH ASIA

India’s New Labor Reforms Face Challenges at the State Level

December 9, 2025

India’s new labor codes mark a major reform effort, but state-level rollout will be uneven. Different political priorities, capacity gaps, and concerns over costs will slow uniform implementation.

India's export policies advance amid rising trade barriers

December 2, 2025

India has expanded export-support measures via tax reimbursements, easier credit access and the new Export Promotion Mission (EPM). The EPM could strengthen competitiveness, but its impact hinges on clear guidelines and effective alignment with broader export-related reforms.

“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.

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.