5 Reasons SMEs Should Tap Into Intra-Asia Trade
Whether times are tough or business is booming, Intra-Asia offers immense opportunities for the region’s SMEs and e-commerce operators to unlock new business growth.
Asia has long been a world leader in regional integration, forging remarkable, ever-adapting networks in trade, investment and innovation. Despite the diversity of its people and culture, our region has positioned itself as a close-knit economy sharply focused on international business opportunities.
It’s those long-standing ‘inside Asia’ relationships that give this region the edge as business integration is progressing steadily and remained stable in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking closer to home for growth opportunities does have its advantages, especially in times of global uncertainty.
Here are five reasons why SMEs should look to Intra-Asia below:
1. Intra-Asia trade remains resilient
Deepening intra-regional trade – where countries focus on cross-border commerce with neighboring countries rather than those on the other side of the world – now accounts for more than half of Asian trade. Since, the pandemic, strong regional trade has bolstered economic bounce-back, with Intra-Asia trade rising to the highest levels in three decades. According to recent figures, Asia Pacific’s GDP is expected to expand 4.6% in 2023, after growing 3.8% in 2022.
Other forecasts imply that Asia Pacific economies are expected to contribute about 70% of global growth this year, a significantly larger share than we have seen during the past few years.
India, China and ASEAN are slated to key players in intra-Asia trade. Asian and South East Asian manufacturing still offers attractive, cost-effective options not just for Asian businesses, but for those in the U.S. and Europe too. The difference is that supply chain networks have shifted. Decentralized, more complex and more agile than ever before, businesses that have optimized their supply chain and manufacturing networks during the pandemic have improved the robustness of their business. And as supply chain bottlenecks at seaports continue, Intra-Asia trade that relies on air cargo is also less likely to be disrupted.
It’s those long-standing ‘inside Asia’ relationships that give this region the edge as business integration is progressing steadily and remained stable in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking closer to home for growth opportunities does have its advantages, especially in times of global uncertainty.
Here are five reasons why SMEs should look to Intra-Asia below:
1. Intra-Asia trade remains resilient
Deepening intra-regional trade – where countries focus on cross-border commerce with neighboring countries rather than those on the other side of the world – now accounts for more than half of Asian trade. Since, the pandemic, strong regional trade has bolstered economic bounce-back, with Intra-Asia trade rising to the highest levels in three decades. According to recent figures, Asia Pacific’s GDP is expected to expand 4.6% in 2023, after growing 3.8% in 2022.
Other forecasts imply that Asia Pacific economies are expected to contribute about 70% of global growth this year, a significantly larger share than we have seen during the past few years.
India, China and ASEAN are slated to key players in intra-Asia trade. Asian and South East Asian manufacturing still offers attractive, cost-effective options not just for Asian businesses, but for those in the U.S. and Europe too. The difference is that supply chain networks have shifted. Decentralized, more complex and more agile than ever before, businesses that have optimized their supply chain and manufacturing networks during the pandemic have improved the robustness of their business. And as supply chain bottlenecks at seaports continue, Intra-Asia trade that relies on air cargo is also less likely to be disrupted.
2. Asia set for healthy economic recovery
Following China’s scrapping of strict pandemic curbs, Asian economies will see strong economic growth this year. Amongst the larger economies, China and India will contribute to around half of global growth this year. The region’s emerging and developing economies are also hitting their stride as pandemic supply-chain disruptions fade and the service sector booms.
But so far, some ASEAN nations are maintaining firm growth as resilient domestic demand bolsters their economies , including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Economies overall have been boosted by the rise in e-commerce, and online retail both domestically and inside Asia will continue to be an important factor in the long term. Shorter, recovering supply chains are stepping up to support the Intra-Asia market, giving Asian start-ups and small businesses one of the best market environments to operate in.
In addition, economies like Singapore, Korea and Japan stand out as among the most digitally advanced anywhere. Take, for example, Asia’s flourishing digital ecosystem in payments – driven by e-payment platforms and a move to cashless economies.
Following China’s scrapping of strict pandemic curbs, Asian economies will see strong economic growth this year. Amongst the larger economies, China and India will contribute to around half of global growth this year. The region’s emerging and developing economies are also hitting their stride as pandemic supply-chain disruptions fade and the service sector booms.
But so far, some ASEAN nations are maintaining firm growth as resilient domestic demand bolsters their economies , including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Economies overall have been boosted by the rise in e-commerce, and online retail both domestically and inside Asia will continue to be an important factor in the long term. Shorter, recovering supply chains are stepping up to support the Intra-Asia market, giving Asian start-ups and small businesses one of the best market environments to operate in.
In addition, economies like Singapore, Korea and Japan stand out as among the most digitally advanced anywhere. Take, for example, Asia’s flourishing digital ecosystem in payments – driven by e-payment platforms and a move to cashless economies.
3. APAC exporters still highly competitive, and start-ups drive future growth
With a business culture fueled by technology and innovation, small companies and start-ups are core to future growth in Asia. Asia Pacific accounts for the second highest number of unicorns – privately held companies worth more than US$1 billion - worldwide, but tops the list in market valuation.
Yes - Asia is already home to some of world’s fastest growing companies.
Start-ups, SMEs and enterprises can tap new growth opportunities by exploring fresh possibilities closer to home. This is already being seen in the huge growth in Asian B2B cross-border commerce. Asia-Pacific is way out front here the way, dominating almost 80% of the B2B market.
4. Asia’s growing middle class are tomorrow’s savvy consumers
Forming the all-important consumer base for future intra-Asia business growth is a rapidly growing Asian middle class. These consumers have a huge appetite for imports from other countries within Asia Pacific. Just a decade ago, the middle class was spread fairly evenly around the world, with 525 million residing in Asia. But by 2030, Asia will make up two-thirds of the global middle-class population – a staggering 1 billion.
Within this demographic, many are digital natives who seek an increasingly personalized customer experience that is mobile-first and social media-centric.
With a business culture fueled by technology and innovation, small companies and start-ups are core to future growth in Asia. Asia Pacific accounts for the second highest number of unicorns – privately held companies worth more than US$1 billion - worldwide, but tops the list in market valuation.
Yes - Asia is already home to some of world’s fastest growing companies.
Start-ups, SMEs and enterprises can tap new growth opportunities by exploring fresh possibilities closer to home. This is already being seen in the huge growth in Asian B2B cross-border commerce. Asia-Pacific is way out front here the way, dominating almost 80% of the B2B market.
4. Asia’s growing middle class are tomorrow’s savvy consumers
Forming the all-important consumer base for future intra-Asia business growth is a rapidly growing Asian middle class. These consumers have a huge appetite for imports from other countries within Asia Pacific. Just a decade ago, the middle class was spread fairly evenly around the world, with 525 million residing in Asia. But by 2030, Asia will make up two-thirds of the global middle-class population – a staggering 1 billion.
Within this demographic, many are digital natives who seek an increasingly personalized customer experience that is mobile-first and social media-centric.
As technology makes online commerce more accessible to people, even in smaller domestic markets such as Singapore and Malaysia, businesses must seize opportunities to get online and meet consumer demand. For instance, the pandemic has accelerated home deliveries to become the new norm. The convenience and choice this offers means that consumers have continued this trend and now have even more choice than before.
5. Better connections will boost intra-Asia volumes further
Whether it’s beauty products, medical supplies or electronics, all roads lead to Asia. And Asia could still reach 50% of global GDP by 2040 and drive 40% of the world’s consumption, representing a real shift in commercial opportunity for the region’s businesses.
Intra-Asia volumes also look poised to hold firm thanks to Asia-focused trade pacts such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which was recently ratified in Philippines, and the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which brings together 11 countries in the Asia Pacific region. Head here to find out more about the trade deals Asia’s businesses can take advantage of.
COVID-19 has changed the world and our way of life, but for businesses looking to grow, the message is clear. If you’re seeking opportunities across Asia Pacific, we can help. Visit our dedicated Small Business Center for the latest tips and insights on trading cross-border.
5. Better connections will boost intra-Asia volumes further
Whether it’s beauty products, medical supplies or electronics, all roads lead to Asia. And Asia could still reach 50% of global GDP by 2040 and drive 40% of the world’s consumption, representing a real shift in commercial opportunity for the region’s businesses.
Intra-Asia volumes also look poised to hold firm thanks to Asia-focused trade pacts such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which was recently ratified in Philippines, and the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which brings together 11 countries in the Asia Pacific region. Head here to find out more about the trade deals Asia’s businesses can take advantage of.
COVID-19 has changed the world and our way of life, but for businesses looking to grow, the message is clear. If you’re seeking opportunities across Asia Pacific, we can help. Visit our dedicated Small Business Center for the latest tips and insights on trading cross-border.
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