From Chinese tariff drama and Japan’s e-commerce shakeup to Southeast Asia’s startup surge, here’s what shaped Asia’s economic and tech landscape this week.
1. US-China Tariff Tensions Show Signs of Easing
The ongoing US-China tariff war remains a dominant theme, but recent moves-like China quietly reducing tariffs on select US semiconductors and pharmaceuticals-signal a possible thaw. Despite President Trump’s mixed messages, both sides are under pressure: US tariffs on Chinese goods reached 145%, and Chinese tariffs on US imports climbed to 125%. Cargo shipments from China to the US reportedly dropped by 60% since the latest tariff hikes, raising fears of global supply shortages and higher consumer prices.
2. TikTok Expands into Japan’s E-Commerce Market
TikTok announced plans to launch e-commerce operations in Japan, aiming to diversify revenue streams amid US market uncertainties. This move aligns with the platform’s global expansion strategy and could reshape Japan’s online retail landscape, which is currently dominated by local giants.
3. South Korea Boosts Semiconductor Industry with $23.25 Billion Package
South Korea unveiled a new support package for its semiconductor sector, increasing total industry support by 25% from 2024. This investment aims to maintain the nation’s competitive edge as global chip demand rises and geopolitical risks disrupt supply chains.
4. Google Signs Geothermal Energy Deal in Taiwan
Google inked a corporate power purchase agreement for geothermal energy with Baseload Capital, supporting its local data centers and advancing Taiwan’s clean energy transition. This partnership highlights the tech sector’s role in driving Asia’s green transformation.
5. China’s Nio Integrates AI in Electric Vehicles
Nio, the Chinese EV maker, announced the integration of Alibaba’s Qwen large language model and Lingma AI coding assistant into its R&D for auto technologies. This collaboration, building on Nio’s partnership with BMW, underscores the rapid adoption of AI in China’s automotive sector.
6. Thailand’s Oldest Bank Bets on Blockchain
Thailand’s oldest bank adopted blockchain-based technology to enhance its financial services, signaling growing confidence in decentralized solutions for mainstream banking and payments.
7. Indonesia Nears Completion of National Data Center
Indonesia’s government expects to finish the first of three national data centers this month. This initiative aims to streamline data integration across ministries and agencies, strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.
8. Japan’s Antitrust Watchdog Targets Google
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission issued a cease-and-desist order to Google for requiring Android manufacturers to prioritize Google search apps and services. This move is part of broader scrutiny of Big Tech’s market dominance in Asia.
9. Singapore Hosts Inaugural GITEX Asia Tech Conference
Singapore welcomed the first Asia edition of GITEX Global, a major tech conference drawing innovators, investors, and startups from across the continent. The event showcased emerging trends in AI, fintech, and digital transformation.
10. Philippines’ 7-Eleven Stores Become Financial Service Hubs
7-Eleven stores in the Philippines are transforming into financial service points, offering banking and credit services to underserved communities. This innovative approach aims to boost financial inclusion nationwide.
11. Hong Kong Broadband Network Sells 15.5% Stake to China Mobile
State-owned China Mobile acquired a 15.5% stake in Hong Kong Broadband Network for $154 million, becoming the company’s equal-largest shareholder. The deal reflects intensifying business links between mainland China and Hong Kong.
12. Australian Quantum Tech Achieves GPS-Denial Breakthrough
Australia’s Q-CTRL completed successful field trials of quantum-assured navigation solutions, overcoming GPS-denial scenarios. This technology could have significant implications for defense, logistics, and autonomous systems in Asia.
13. Vietnam’s Mixue and Thailand’s Cotti Coffee Target Gen Z
Chinese tea chain Mixue is winning over young consumers in Vietnam, while China’s Cotti Coffee is expanding into Thailand. Both brands are leveraging digital marketing and trendy offerings to capture Southeast Asia’s fast-growing youth market.
14. Taiwan’s TSMC Advances Chip Packaging Technology
TSMC, the world’s leading chipmaker, is developing a new chip packaging method using a square substrate, potentially accommodating more semiconductors. The innovation is slated for rollout in 2027 and could further cement Taiwan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing.
15. Cambodia’s SHE Investments Celebrates 10 Years Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
SHE Investments, a social enterprise in Cambodia, marked its 10-year anniversary. The organization has played a pivotal role in supporting women-led startups and fostering inclusive economic growth in the region.
16. Singapore’s Oneteam Pioneers Employee Ownership for SMEs
Oneteam, a Singapore-based startup, is transforming SME succession by acquiring businesses from retiring owners and transitioning them into employee-owned entities. Backed by Wavemaker Ventures, Oneteam ensures business continuity and empowers the next generation of leaders.
17. EarlyBird AI Redefines Real-Time Bookkeeping in Southeast Asia
EarlyBird AI, headquartered in Singapore, is automating bookkeeping with proprietary AI agents, enabling real-time financial statements and continuous reconciliation. This innovation is streamlining financial management for businesses across the region.
18. Farmio Digitizes Southeast Asia’s Food Supply Chain
Farmio, a Singaporean food tech startup, is using AI-driven digital solutions to optimize sourcing, distribution, and operations for retailers and F&B businesses. The company collaborates regionally to embed intelligence and sustainability at every step of the supply chain.
19. Sogni AI Democratizes Creative Economy with Decentralized GPUs
Sogni AI, founded by ex-CoinMarketCap executives, is making AI-driven content creation faster and more affordable by leveraging a decentralized GPU network. Their platform enables users to generate professional visuals at unprecedented speeds, targeting Asia’s booming creative economy.
20. Rize Launches Climate-Smart Rice Farming in Southeast Asia
Rize, an agri-tech startup backed by Temasek and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, is rolling out a platform to implement emission-reduction strategies in rice farming. The company aims to eliminate 500 million metric tons of carbon emissions by 2040, starting with projects in Indonesia and Vietnam.
These stories collectively highlight Asia’s dynamic business, finance, and technology landscape, with innovation, digital transformation, and regional integration at the forefront. From quantum breakthroughs in Australia to fintech revolutions in Southeast Asia, the region continues to set the pace for global economic and technological progress.
