JETRO's special report examines industrial policies and corporate supply chain strategies across five major ASEAN nations: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Japanese companies have long built production and distribution networks across Southeast Asia, but the landscape is shifting fast.
The report highlights critical challenges reshaping the region:
- Supply chain fragility exposed by COVID-19
- US-China trade tensions and escalating geopolitical risks
- Intensified investment competition from Chinese and Western enterprises
- Government initiatives promoting industrial advancement and innovation
ASEAN isn't just Japan's backyard — it's the strategic middle ground where Japanese startups and American companies both need to play. For Japanese founders, ASEAN is the natural scaling market beyond domestic borders. For American companies, it's the fastest-growing consumer and manufacturing base in Asia outside of China. The companies that build cross-border networks here — connecting Silicon Valley capital with Japanese technology and Southeast Asian markets — will define the next decade of Asia-Pacific trade.
The report comprises three analytical sections on "Supply Chain Currents" followed by country-specific analyses, plus corporate case studies showing real-world implementation strategies. It was published in March 2026 with ongoing updates planned.
View Original JETRO Report (Japanese) →