BANGKOK — Five of Southeast Asia’s six largest economies have reported slower year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2025, showing economic momentum was starting to fade even before new U.S. tariffs.
Trade-oriented economies like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are now bracing for weaker-than-expected growth for the full year, underscoring the impact of the looming global uncertainties that weigh on their exports and broader domestic economy, including businesses’ investment decisions.
