Non-tariff barriers, not tariffs, are stalling Asean’s trade goals

Stephen Olson quoted by Business Times: “Non-tariff barriers, not tariffs, are stalling South-east Asia’s trade ambitions”

This article was published on 6 June 2025. Stephen Olson is Visiting Senior Fellow with ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. To read the article, visit The post Stephen Olson quoted by Business Times: “Non-tariff barriers, not tariffs, are stalling South-east Asia’s trade ambitions” appeared first on ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

Non-tariff barriers, not tariffs, are stalling Asean’s trade goals

While global headlines fixate on tariff wars and rising protectionism sparked by US President Donald Trump’s administration and its use of levies as geopolitical leverage, analysts say it is non-tariff barriers that are quietly choking trade within South-east Asia.