ASEAN+3 Region Expected to Grow at 4.0 Percent in 2026, External Uncertainty Remains Elevated

1. AMRO today released its quarterly update of the ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AREO). It estimates the ASEAN+3 economy to have grown by 4.3 percent in 2025, and projects growth to moderate to 4.0 percent in 2026. Inflation is estimated at 0.9 percent in 2025 and projected at 1.2 percent in 2026, remaining below the region’s long-run average.

US will be exempt from global tax deal targeting profits of large multinationals

1. Nearly 150 countries have agreed on a landmark plan to stop large global companies shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions, but the US will be exempt from the deal, angering tax transparency groups.

2. The plan, finalised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, excludes large US-based multinational corporations from the 15% global minimum tax after negotiations between the Trump administration and other members of the G7.