Manufacturing
China’s trade ends 2025 with record US$1.2 trillion surplus despite Trump tariff jolt
A policy push for Chinese firms to look beyond US market pays off as they expand into South-east Asia, Africa and Latin America
In 2026, trade drama will shift from Washington to Beijing
The real uncertainty lies in the rising resistance to China’s manufactured surplus
US factory headcount falling despite Trump’s promised manufacturing boom
Overall, hiring has been narrowly focused, with a measure of hiring breadth showing more industries shedding employment than adding
Japan’s factory activity steadies as demand declines slow: PMI
[TOKYO] Japan’s manufacturing activity stalled in December as demand declined at a slower pace from the previous month, a private-sector survey showed, ending a five-month streak of deterioration.
UK factories pick up a bit of speed but outlook worries remain
New orders have grown in December for the first time since September 2024; exports and hiring stabilise
South Korea’s factory activity expands on stronger exports: PMI
Optimism for the year ahead grew to the highest level since May 2022
Asean’s quiet upside in the global tech boom
A rising tide lifts all boats that are seaworthy. Asean’s boats are not the largest in AI, but they are well-positioned and increasingly specialised
Thai factory output unexpectedly falls 4.24% yoy in November
This is due to lower petroleum output, the strong baht and a border conflict with Cambodia
Why some SGX small-caps survive the watch list – and others fail
Data from Singapore’s ‘watch-list era’ shows the dos and don’ts of pulling off a successful corporate comeback
Japan’s manufacturing sector contracts at slower pace in December: PMI
[TOKYO] Japan’s manufacturing activity contracted at a slower pace while the service sector lost some steam in December, private-sector surveys showed, weighing on the economy at the end of 2025.
