CARI Captures Issue 517: Lockdowns in ASEAN affect global automotive supply chains

ASEAN, JAPAN
Lockdowns in ASEAN affect global automotive supply chains
(23 August 2021) COVID-19 lockdowns across the region continue to have a ripple effect on global automotive supply chains, with Japan’s Toyota Motor announcing last week that it would cut September’s targeted production volume by 40% due to a shortage of auto parts from Southeast Asian suppliers. The ongoing on-and-off factory shutdowns and production restrictions in the region—which houses some 30% of Japan’s auto parts manufacturers—is expected to cause the country’s automotive production to shrink by 30,000 to 40,000 units between August and September, and fall by around 19% to 25% year-on-year. The lockdowns have also affected automakers in the United States, China, and other regions.

ASEAN, INDIA
India’s exports to ASEAN expected to reach US$46 billion in FY22
(26 August 2021) India expects to export US$46 billion worth of goods to ASEAN countries in its fiscal year 2021-2022 fiscal year ending in March 2022, according to Indian commerce and industry minister Anupriya Patel. The minister also highlighted the potential for India and ASEAN to enhance their trade and investment partnership, since both sides have a large number of skilled workers, many complementary sectors and products, and a combined GDP of approximately US$5.8 trillion. ASEAN is also the third-largest recipient of Indian engineering product exports after the European Union and North America.

ASEAN, UNITED STATES 
ASEAN finalizes trade facilitation initiatives with the US
(25 August 2021) ASEAN economic officials have finalized the 2021-2022 ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Work Plan during a recent consultation with Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Marta Prado. These instruments help guide trade and economic cooperation between the US and ASEAN, and cover areas such as the digital economy, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), and sustainable development. The TIFA was first concluded in 2006 and is reviewed annually, while the E3 will be submitted for ministerial endorsement in September 2021.

ASEAN, UNITED STATES
US offers to host APEC meeting in 2023
(24 August 2021) US Vice President Kamala Harris extended an offer to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the United States in 2023 to further deepen the US’ trade with ASEAN as she noted the region’s economic importance as the US’ fourth-largest export market. Harris also announced a slew of new bilateral partnerships on the occasion of her first stop in Asia, including agreements on cybersecurity, sustainable financing, as well as R&D for disease detection and treatment. Harris then made her first official visit to Vietnam, where she announced nearly US$100 million in official development assistance (ODA) for the country through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

ASEAN, MEKONG 
ASEAN to boost cooperation with the Mekong River Commission
(24 August 2021) The inaugural ASEAN-Mekong River Commission (MRC) Water Security Dialogue which was held last week concluded with both sides agreeing to cooperate in the areas of water resource planning, pollution management, and the establishment of an early forecasting system for water levels. According to Phonepaseuth Phouliphanh, acting chairperson of the MRC joint committee for 2021, ASEAN could help the MRC by contributing technical and financial support to help boost the protection of the Mekong River — a vital source of income for over 70 million people. The second ASEAN-MRC water security dialogue is slated for 2023 and will likely focus on policy discussions.

ASEAN  
Economists downgrade ASEAN’s annual growth outlook
(25 August 2021) Weaker social safety nets, a less mature banking system hindering the injection of cash relief, as well as “growing discontent with job losses and officials’ handling of the pandemic” resulting in political instability and delayed investments could continue to derail ASEAN’s recovery from the pandemic, according to Moody’s Analytics. As such, the agency has downgraded the 2021 GDP forecast of the region’s economies, with Malaysia and Vietnam expected to be the worst hit. Moody’s sentiments were echoed by the latest survey results compiled by Bloomberg, which saw economists downgrading Malaysia’s growth outlook by 1.4 percentage points.

MALAYSIA
Malaysia gets a new Prime Minister and a new cabinet
(27 August 2021) Malaysian prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob unveiled the country’s new cabinet line-up this week following his swearing-in as the country’s new leader on 21 August. Most economic portfolios remained unchanged with the re-appointments of finance minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz, international trade and industry senior minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, minister in the prime minister’s department (economy) Mustapa Mohamed, domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi and transport minister Wee Ka Siong. Meanwhile, entrepreneur development and cooperatives will now be helmed by Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and plantation industries and commodities by Zuraida Kamaruddin.

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RCEP Monitor

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