Rising U.S. tariffs are putting a brake on Asia-Pacific economies, with experts warning export-driven nations could face a growth slowdown equivalent to losing a video game power-up 🎮. A new UBS report reveals escalating trade barriers might slash regional GDP by 50–100 basis points—and Asia's export giants like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are caught in the crossfire.
'Uncertainty is the real enemy here,' UBS economist Philip Wyatt told CGTN. Even before tariffs hit, factories from Thailand to Malaysia are delaying investments, fearing supply chain shakeups. Imagine ordering bubble tea 🧋 but never knowing if tapioca pearls will arrive—this is the anxiety global trade faces.
The pain isn’t just about numbers. With 30% of Asia-Pacific exports tied to the U.S., companies are scrambling to adapt. Could this reshape the region's role as the 'world's factory'? Wyatt suggests innovation and diversification might be the only cheat codes left.
