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Economy & Resources

Southeast Asia: The Unexpected Winner of the US-China Trade War

Published on Jan 26, 2026

The global trade war between the US and China has left many major economies grappling with uncertainty. With rising tariffs and shifting supply chains, countries have faced economic disruptions and challenges.

 

Surprisingly, Southeast Asia has emerged as an unexpected beneficiary. According to a recent report by the Lowy Institute, exports from Southeast Asia to the US have soared, growing by 23% in September 2025 compared to the previous year. This marks a sharp contrast to China’s declining share in the US market.

 

US Tariffs and the Trade Shift

The escalating US-China trade dispute has had significant negative consequences for China. As the US slapped higher tariffs on Chinese goods, reaching up to 31%, China's exports to the US began to plummet.

 

Meanwhile, Southeast Asia found itself in a more competitive position, with exports to the US growing by 23% in September 2025 alone. Initially, there were fears that Southeast Asia would be overwhelmed by

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